With every tree, every plank is unique and as manufacturers we enjoy shaping these unique characteristics into a piece of furniture that our customers can appreciate. Through the use of this organic material Hotel Solutions, with manufacturing partners in Europe and the Far East, appreciates the importance of long term sustainability and are aware of the environmental and ethical impact and look to continually improve in all aspects of environmental management.
There are three main areas:
- Timber Sourcing
- Staining/Lacquering
- Recycling
Timber Sourcing
Timber sourcing is a sensitive and topical issue because of the role that forests play in providing habitats for plants and animals, providing a livelihood for many communities and helping to combat climate change by absorbing carbon. Forests need to be carefully managed but because forest management standards vary, believe that the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is the best way to ensure that essential high standards are applied regardless of where timber is sourced.
Forest certification is growing however, at the moment only 10% of global timber production is independently certified, much of this originating from Europe and North America. Abandoning sources which do not at present conform may seem an easy solution. However, by supporting those suppliers who are willing to work actively towards certification, helps to raise forestry standards and increase the availability of certified timber however it can take years to bring forest management practices up to the required standard.
The FSC work to improve forestry management that not only helps protect the water, soil and wildlife but also helps to minimize the impact on communities, people, and forest owners but protects the industry.
Further information on the FSC is available at www.fsc.org/en or PEFC is available on http://www.pefc.org
A phased approach to achieving certification is required.
Our approach has been to develop a staged programme with clear goals and timescales. It contains four stages:
1. Origination Timber of known origin. The supplier must provide specific information on the source and species of every timber product.
2. Evidence Timber from verified legal sources. Supporting documentation must be made available to verify that the timber has been harvested and traded in accordance with national forestry laws and standards.
3. Transition The supplier agrees to actively work towards FSC/PEFC certification as a member of a recognised transition scheme.
4. Certification The product is independently certified to FSC/PEFC
Staining/Lacquering
Staining and lacquering of furniture can have an impact also on the environment. Any waste lacquer disposal complies with the environmental regulations. Where ever possible solvent free varnishes are used which results in emission free production.
Recycling
Machining timber can be a wasteful process and therefore attempts are made to ensure that as much waste as possible will be recycled. Shavings can be made into such materials as chipboard or particle board and also timber waste can be used to generate heat and therefore improve energy efficiency.
The cardboard waste from the packaging will be recycled as does any waste paper in the office and any other material capable of being recycled where practically possible.
Hotel Solutions are currently assessing their Carbon impact with the aim to becoming Carbon neutral.
Upon undertaking a refurbishment programme, Hotel Solutions can arrange for your current bedframes to be collected. They would then be disposed of in an environmently friendly way. More details are available upon request.
