Steelcase Snags FSC Certification

The certification was granted by Scientific Certification Systems, an independent, third-party certifier.

Nicholas Tamarin -- Interior Design, 10/3/2008

Steelcase always knew its wood was good. Now, it has the certification to back it up.

The global manufacturer of architecture, furniture and technology products was recently granted chain-of-custody certification by the Forest Stewardship Council for adhering to the environmental organization's requirements, which ensure that the raw materials used in wood products are obtained from well-managed forests. Scientific Certification Systems, an independent, third party certifier, issued the certification.

"It is an honor to receive this FSC certification, as it affirms Steelcase's commitment to Cradle to Cradle environment processes," says Steelcase senior vice president and chief administrative officer Nancy Hickey. "FSC certification demonstrates that Steelcase's responsible practices extend to the very beginning of the product lifecycle by utilizing responsibly-managed forests."

Steelcase's wood business, which operates from the world's first LEED-certified manufacturing facility, has recently moved from using solvent-based to water-based finishes, a change the company says has contributed to a reduction of its use of harmful VOCs by 91 percent since 2001.