The Environmental Impact of Furniture: Why Your Choice Matters

 

The way we furnish our homes and offices has a profound impact on the planet. The traditional "take-make-waste" linear model of furniture production contributes to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. But there's a better way. At Wehlers, we're building a new model, one piece of furniture at a time.

 

The Problem with Fast Furniture: A Hidden Cost 🌎

 

The global furniture industry is a massive contributor to climate change and resource depletion.

  • Deforestation: The demand for virgin wood leads to the loss of vast forests, which are vital for absorbing carbon dioxide and providing habitats for wildlife. The furniture industry alone is responsible for a significant amount of the world's annual deforestation.

  • Toxic Chemicals: Many conventional furniture pieces are treated with harmful chemicals, including VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), flame retardants, and formaldehydes. These substances not only contribute to poor indoor air quality but also seep into landfills and pollute the environment.

  • Mounting Waste: Over 12 million tons of furniture are discarded in the EU and US each year, with over 80% ending up in landfills. This "fast furniture" cycle of buying cheap, disposable pieces creates a huge waste problem that takes centuries to break down.

 

The Wehlers Way: A Circular Solution 🔄

 

We believe that furniture should be part of a circular economy, a system designed to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products in use, and regenerate natural systems. Our business model, guided by the principles of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, is an active departure from the linear model.

  • From Waste to Resource: We are pioneers in creating high-quality, durable furniture from industrial and consumer waste. Our innovative materials include recycled fishing nets, e-waste from keyboards, and even plastic from used insulin pens. By upcycling this waste, we drastically reduce the need for virgin resources.

  • Designed for Circularity: Every piece of Wehlers furniture is engineered to be a part of a closed-loop system. We design our chairs and tables to be easily disassembled. When a piece reaches the end of its life, we take it back to be repaired, refurbished, or broken down so its materials can be used to create new products. This take-back program ensures that our furniture never contributes to landfills.

  • Low-Carbon Footprint: By using recycled materials and efficient, thoughtful production processes, we achieve a significantly lower carbon footprint than traditional manufacturers. We provide quantitative ESG data with every order, allowing you to see the environmental savings of your purchase. See Wehlers 3rd party calculations click here

 

How Your Choice Makes a Difference ✨

 

By choosing Wehlers, you're not just buying a chair; you're investing in a more sustainable future. You are:

  • Reducing landfill waste and preventing valuable materials from being discarded. The Wehlers takeback, how it works click here

  • Minimizing your carbon footprint and supporting a production model that actively fights climate change.

  • Promoting the circular economy and showing that businesses can be a force for good.

While certifications like the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) are a great start—certifying that wood comes from responsibly managed forests—our commitment goes further. We address the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material to end-of-life, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.