Sustainability continues to be a buzzword for designer furniture in Singapore – and Danish design and lifestyle company Bolia is taking it a big step further by publishing an annual e-book that gives full transparency around every detail of its sustainable credentials. We take a closer look.
Supporting and implementing sustainable practices throughout a production cycle not only helps address the impact we have on the globe but, in turn, can improve brand reputation and recognition. Thankfully, when it comes to the furniture industry, disposable furniture with a short shelf-life and pieces produced using sub-standard materials in sub-standard environments (and often on below minimum wage) are becoming a thing of the past.
Some brands strive to practice this better than others, and Danish design brand Bolia is among them. The company has now gone extra lengths to ensure full transparency by publishing The Sustainability Journal. This e-book details its eco-journey, from its philosophy to the people who work for it (from factory to shop floor), the products used and how they impact the environment. As the journal states: “Our goal is to provide you with insights into who we are, what we love, and our exciting journey ahead.”
A sustainability philosophy
Bolia’s sustainable aims have seen it partner with leaders in the design field, including the Danish Technological Institute and FSC Denmark. Through these partnerships, designs are tested to the highest standards, with climate emissions measured through their entire value chain. The focus on climate footprint through the full product lifecycle of their most popular designs covers everything from raw materials to production, packaging and shipping, to the product’s lifetime and eventual disposal. By doing this, the company says it can continue to find ways to reduce its overall impact.
Recyclability is a key commitment at Bolia, as is animal welfare. Animals used for materials such as leather, down and feathers are treated humanely, with no endangered animals used.
People power
From its headquarters in Aarhus, Denmark, the company says it aims to create a culture of honesty and trust, as well as a workplace that encourages creativity and values its people. It has grown to more than 800 employees, 68 designers and 39 manufacturers, and is made up of mostly female employees (74 percent), with top management almost evenly split at 56 percent male and 44 percent female.
Bolia is a member of amfori BSCI, which promotes ethical and responsible sourcing practices by helping companies and brands monitor and improve the social compliance of their supply chains. The initiative provides a framework to assess and enhance the working conditions where products are produced.
The brand’s designs are predominantly made in Europe, across Italy, Poland and Germany, as well as in Denmark itself. They’re crafted one at a time, eliminating overproduction and minimising transportation. Every fabric and leather used includes its country of origin and an estimated CO2 -eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) footprint. For most of their fabrics, they know not only where the raw fibres were grown, made or recycled, but also where they were dyed and where they were woven.
Made to last
By finding ways to use less material and energy for manufacturing, Bolia’s designers can focus on the longevity of each product. Quality tested products and sustainable, long-lasting materials all go towards supporting this longevity. At its core are six design principles:
- Reduce – less materials and energy used, based on the “less is better” principle
- Repair – ensure designs can be repaired and refurbished
- Refuse – focus on timeless design rather than follow the trends
- Recycle – using materials that can be recycled
- Rethink – evolve and explore new ideas that align with their sustainable credentials
- Reuse – create durable pieces that can be resold or passed on
Materials matter
Bolia says it strives to use the best materials with the smallest climate impact. All its wood is FSC-certified, coming from responsible and legal forestry. The rugs are Care & Fair Organisation labelled, supporting an initiative to support local weavers in their working conditions, ensuring access to medical care and education. And the leathers are Oeko-Tex certified, meaning they’ve been tested for harmful substances and are completely safe. This also stands for the fabrics and soft furnishings used in their designer furniture.
Making an impact
The brand also puts great emphasis on its climate footprint, mapping out its impact on the environment. Every element of each product’s footprint is put under the microscope, breaking down what percentage of this footprint is generated by the production process (including waste generated) and business activities (including staff travel and transport).
Bolia intends to continue to improve these sustainability practices and reduce any negative impact on the environment. Since it began working on sustainable development back in 2017, it says it has taken major steps towards its aim, “to evolve, inspire and drive our industry towards something better”.
Bolia offers a 10-year warranty across all its designs.
Visit the showroom at 215 Henderson Road, #01-01.
6664 0180 | bolia.com
This article on designer furniture in Singapore first appeared in the May 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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