Furniture stores in Germany show little interest in promoting the sustainability of the furniture they are selling, according to a recent survey published last week during the imm furnishing fair in Cologne, Germany. Even though half of the surveyed stores confirmed that they sell certified furniture, they often fail to educate consumers of the benefits of forest certification.

The study sought to provide information on the importance and distribution of forest certification in stores and was undertaken by Systain Consulting on behalf of PEFC Germany. The results were presented last week at the imm cologne, one of the most important furnishing fairs in the global primary furnishing market.

The study found that almost three-quarters of the wood used in the furniture originated from Europe. While 41% of all stores carry PEFC-certified furniture (with 27% stocking FSC certified products), the sustainable origin of the furniture is often not mentioned. Only a third of stores actively communicate the sustainable sourcing of their furniture in their external communication.

"We are surprised that furniture stores do not, on the whole, highlight the sustainability of the products they are selling, which we believe is a disservice not only to consumers, but also to furniture manufactures," said Dirk Teegelbekkers, Secretary General of PEFC Germany.

"By neglecting to mention certification, furniture stores are failing to convey the good practices of their suppliers, and consumers are left unaware of the fact that the wood used in PEFC-certified furniture originates from well-managed forests," Mr. Teegelbekkers emphasized.

Given the lack of information provided by stores, it is not surprising that the study found only 3% of all consumers ask sales staff about the origin of the wood from sustainable sources, added Mr Teegelbekkers. "We need to collaborate more closely with furniture stores to assist them better in providing information about the benefits of PEFC certification, and we are inviting corporate and non-profit partners to support us in these efforts."

Further Information

• Brochure - Certified Wood Solutions for the Furniture Sector
• Case Story - nobilia: Building PEFC-Certified Kitchens in Germany
• Case Story - Leading German Furniture Manufacturer Decker Promotes Benefits of PEFC Certification
• Presentation of the Results (in German)