Copeland Furniture Achieves SFC Silver Exemplary Membership Status

Furniture World Magazine

Copeland Furniture announced that it has been awarded Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). The manufacturer of natural hardwood furniture is already Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, making it one of a few American furniture manufacturers that has met that organization’s stringent requirements, the highest standards in the world. “Copeland Furniture’s continued commitment to sustainability serves to strengthen the sustainability movement and the furniture marketplace,” said Susan Inglis, Executive Director of the SFC. “I am excited to welcome Copeland Furniture as our newest Silver Exemplary Member and am particularly impressed by Copeland’s commitment to use FSC-certified North American wood and other responsibly sourced materials for the health of consumers, communities, and the environment.” Copeland Furniture exceeds requirements for SFC Silver status: - Uses 15 – 25% FSC-certified (or equivalent certification) wood. - Uses 1% to 25% non-wood products made from recycled or bio-based materials has completed a Carbon Footprint Report that includes detailed analysis of its operation’s energy output. - Is showing a positive impact on supply chain improvements as a result of sustainability efforts “Stewardship runs deep in rural New England and Copeland Furniture’s manufacturing processes reflect our ingrained respect for our local forests and communities,” says Tim Copeland, CEO of Copeland Furniture. He points out that the company sources 90% of its lumber from forests in a 500 mile radius of the manufacturing plant effectively reducing the fossil fuel required by trucking and contributing to local economies. None of that is particularly new for Copeland Furniture; it has sourced lumber in the same manner for 35 years. SFC and FSC-certifications are important to the company in that they indicate Copeland’s commitment and assist it in consumer-education and awareness. “Copeland Furniture's furniture manufacture includes a strong commitment to the principles of sustainability, durability and quality construction. This approach is more and more rare in American manufacturing, although the environmental issues of our times beg for more companies to think about the ramifications of how and what they manufacture. Copeland is a leader in demonstrating how a strong value system coupled with quality design and manufacturing can make a positive impact for this generation and those that will follow.” Professor Rosanne Somerson – Rhode Island School of Design, Furniture Design. “We’re very excited to partner with the SFC,” says Copeland. “The certification process and information provided through the SFC and FSC helps a consumer base that’s growing in its enthusiasm for sustainable manufacturing to make conscientious purchases.” About Copeland Furniture – www.copelandfurniture.com Founded in 1974, Copeland Furniture is a family-owned company that manufactures natural hardwood furniture. All Copeland Furniture pieces are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility located in the small town of Bradford, Vermont. Copeland Furniture is dedicated to stunning design, high quality workmanship, and sustainable manufacturing practices that preserve forests and strengthen local economies. The Product lines include adult bedroom, home office, full dining, and occasional furniture. Copeland Furniture also holds the exclusive license to manufacture the furniture designs of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright and distributes products nationwide through select furniture retailers. About Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) – Founded in 2006 in High Point, North Carolina, the Sustainable Furnishings Council is a non-profit balanced coalition of industry players created to promote sustainable practices among manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike with a public tagging program to identify good choices. SFC has over two hundred members. www.sustainablefurnishings.org.