ndAs the world faces the realities of climate change, the interior design industry is embracing a new era of eco-consciousness. Intending to reduce their impact on the environment, designers are now turning to sustainable and environmentally friendly materials to create beautiful spaces that do not compromise the health of our planet. This article will take you through the most sustainable finish manufacturers. Join us as we explore the incredible range of finishes they offer, the innovative ways they minimize their ecological footprint, and the remarkable impact their commitment to sustainability has on our wildlife.
Plumbing Fixtures
Oregon Water Trust
The Oregon Water Trust collaborates with landowners, conservation groups, and government agencies to restore and protect water resources in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to promoting sustainable water usage, they offer a variety of eco-friendly plumbing fixtures. They support wildlife and their habitats through projects that preserve or restore the natural water supply that supports them.
Niagara Conservation
Niagara Conservation, a Texas-based company, provides a range of water-saving plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets, and showerheads that conserve water without compromising performance. They are certified by various organizations like WaterSense, which ensures their products’ water efficiency.
The company commits to sustainability and employs several initiatives to minimize their environmental impact.
Kohler
Kohler, based in Wisconsin, offers an extensive range of sustainable plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and faucets. The company is strongly committed to sustainability and implements various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. Kohler partners with organizations like the National Wildlife Federation to support conservation efforts. The company actively participates in improving wildlife habitats through initiatives like planting native plants and conserving wetlands.
Toto USA
Toto USA, headquartered in Morrow, Georgia, offers a variety of eco-friendly toilets, sinks, and faucets that use less water and energy. The company firmly commits to sustainability and aims to reduce its impact on wildlife and natural habitats. Toto USA employs a green supply chain approach, using renewable materials in manufacturing and shipping products. Additionally, the company minimizes its waste production and greenhouse gas emissions.
Delta Faucet
Delta Faucet, a subsidiary of Masco Corporation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, offers a range of water-saving plumbing fixtures, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets. Their products are designed to use less water and energy, ensuring excellent performance. They use recycled materials to produce their fixtures and aim to minimize factory waste production. The company commits to sustainability and implements several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Lighting Fixtures
Solatube
California-based Solatube creates sustainable lighting fixtures for indoor spaces. They utilize natural daylight to light up spaces, reducing electricity usage. Their products are energy-efficient and have minimal impact on wildlife and natural habitats. By using natural light, they contribute to preserving the natural sleeping patterns and habitats of wildlife.
Phillips Hue
Philips Hue, based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, creates smart lighting systems that are energy-efficient and customizable, allowing users to control their home lighting via their smartphones. The company commits to sustainability and implements several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They are dedicated to using renewable energy in their operations, and their products are manufactured with recycled materials. Philips Hue also partners with organizations that focus on sustainable practices.
Luminis
Luminis is a Quebec-based company that creates sustainable lighting fixtures for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Their energy-efficient products minimize light pollution, reducing their impact on wildlife and natural habitats. The company sources its materials from suppliers that follow environmentally friendly practices, and they use recyclable materials to manufacture their products.
WAC Lighting
WAC Lighting, based in New York, offers a variety of sustainable lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial use. Their energy-efficient products minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact. The company commits to sustainability and implements several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, such as using recycled materials to manufacture its products.
Juno Lighting Group
Juno Lighting Group is a subsidiary of Schneider Electric based in Des Plaines, Illinois. They offer a range of sustainable lighting fixtures for both residential and commercial use. Their energy-efficient products minimize waste and reduce their environmental impact. The company is committed to using renewable energy in their operations and employs a closed-loop recycling process.
Paints
ECOS Paints
California-based ECOS Paints creates eco-friendly paints, primers, and varnishes made from natural ingredients that are safe for people, pets, and the environment. The company is committed to sustainability and uses recycled materials in its packaging. ECOS Paints also has a Green Promise, which guarantees its products are free of harmful chemicals like VOCs and formaldehyde. The company aims to minimize its environmental impact while providing high-quality, long-lasting products.
Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore, headquartered in New Jersey, offers a range of eco-friendly paints that are low in VOCs and made from natural ingredients. The company is dedicated to sustainability and employs several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They have received certifications from organizations like Green Seal, ensuring their products meet strict environmental and performance standards. Benjamin Moore also uses recycled materials in its packaging and implements a waste reduction program in its factories.
Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams, based in Ohio, offers a range of sustainable paints that are low in VOCs and made from natural ingredients. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They have received certifications from organizations like GreenGuard, ensuring their products meet strict indoor air quality standards. Sherwin-Williams also uses recycled materials in its packaging and implements a waste reduction program in its factories.
Behr
Behr, a California-based company, offers a range of eco-friendly paints that are low in VOCs and made from natural ingredients. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. They have received certifications from organizations like Green Seal, ensuring their products meet strict environmental and performance standards. Behr also uses recycled materials in its packaging and implements a waste reduction program in its factories.
BioShield
BioShield, headquartered in Oregon, creates eco-friendly paints, stains, and finishes made from natural ingredients. Their products are free of harsh chemicals and VOCs, ensuring people’s and the environment’s well-being. The company is firmly committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to minimize their environmental impact. For instance, BioShield uses post-consumer recycled packaging, reducing the waste generated. They also source their raw materials from sustainable suppliers and recycle their waste materials during the manufacturing process.
Farrow & Ball
UK-based Farrow & Ball offers a range of eco-friendly paints that are water-based and low-VOC, making them safe for people and the environment. The company is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For example, they have introduced a closed-loop recycling system, which allows them to recycle their paint tins and waste materials. Farrow & Ball also source their materials from sustainable suppliers and implements energy-saving measures in their factories to reduce their energy consumption.
Tile
Fireclay Tile
Fireclay Tile is a California-based company that prides itself on creating sustainable and eco-friendly tiles. Their products are made from recycled materials and are LEED-certified, ensuring they meet strict environmental standards. In addition to using recycled materials, Fireclay Tile has implemented initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as using solar power to run their kilns and implementing a water recycling system to reduce their water usage. They also partner with local conservation organizations to support the well-being of wildlife in their area.
Crossville
Crossville, a Tennessee-based company, offers a range of eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials. Their products are Green Squared certified, meeting rigorous sustainability criteria. Crossville has implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, including using advanced technology to reduce their water usage and implementing a zero-waste manufacturing process. Additionally, Crossville has partnered with wildlife conservation organizations to support the well-being of local wildlife.
Ann Sacks
Ann Sacks, an Oregon-based company, creates sustainable and eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials that are LEED-certified. The company has implemented initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, including using energy-efficient lighting in their showrooms and implementing a recycling program to reduce waste. They also support wildlife conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations protecting local habitats and species.
Daltile
Daltile, a Texas-based company, offers a range of eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials that are certified by several sustainability organizations. They have committed to using renewable energy sources to power their manufacturing facilities and implementing a water conservation program. Daltile also supports wildlife conservation through partnerships with organizations that protect endangered species.
Emser Tile
Emser Tile, a California-based company, creates sustainable and eco-friendly tiles made from recycled materials that are certified by several sustainability organizations. And they have committed to sustainability and has implemented initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as using energy-efficient lighting in their showrooms and implementing a water recycling system to reduce their water usage. They also partner with wildlife conservation organizations to support the well-being of local wildlife.
Countertops
Eco By Cosentino
Eco By Cosentino is a Spanish manufacturer that produces eco-friendly countertops. Their products are made from recycled materials like glass, mirrors, porcelain, earthenware, and vitrified ash. These materials are processed using an environmentally responsible manufacturing process that utilizes renewable energy sources and recycles 99% of the water used in production. The company also incorporates sustainable packaging, transportation, and logistics practices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Caesarstone
Caesarstone is an Israeli-based company that specializes in sustainable and eco-friendly countertops. They use high-quality recycled materials, such as pre-consumer and post-consumer quartz, to create their products. Additionally, the company has implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as investing in renewable energy sources, reducing water usage, and improving waste management practices. They have also obtained certifications from various sustainability organizations, such as the U.S. Green Building Council, recognizing their efforts to protect the environment.
IceStone
IceStone is a New York-based company that produces sustainable and eco-friendly countertops. Their products are made from 100% recycled glass and manufactured using low-carbon production. Additionally, the company has implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as using 100% renewable energy sources and sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions. They have also partnered with organizations such as the Wildlife Conservation Society to support the well-being of wildlife.
Pental Surfaces
Pental Surfaces is a Washington-based company that offers a range of eco-friendly countertops. They use recycled materials such as glass, porcelain, and quartz to manufacture their products. The company also implements various sustainability initiatives, such as using energy-efficient equipment, sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions, and recycling all manufacturing waste. They have obtained certifications from several sustainability organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council and the US Green Building Council.
PaperStone
PaperStone is a Washington-based company that creates sustainable and eco-friendly countertops. Their products are made from recycled paper and other natural fibers saturated with petroleum-free resin. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as using 100% renewable energy, sourcing materials locally to reduce transportation emissions, and recycling manufacturing waste. They have also obtained certifications from several sustainability organizations, such as the Rainforest Alliance and the Forest Stewardship Council, to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Flooring
EcoTimber
EcoTimber is dedicated to offering sustainable flooring options with minimal environmental impact. They use responsibly sourced materials such as hardwood, bamboo, and cork to achieve this goal. They also ensure their products meet strict environmental standards, such as the Forest Stewardship Council certification. EcoTimber’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through their initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For example, they have implemented a zero-waste policy in their production process, which aims to recycle or repurpose all waste materials.
Interface
Interface is committed to offering sustainable flooring options for commercial spaces. Their products are designed to be durable and long-lasting, reducing the need for replacements and ultimately reducing waste. To further reduce their environmental impact, Interface has implemented several initiatives, including their ReEntry program. This program allows customers to return their old Interface flooring, which is then recycled into new flooring products. Additionally, Interface is committed to reducing their carbon footprint and has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Tarkett
Tarkett offers a range of eco-friendly flooring options that are made from recycled materials and designed to be durable and long-lasting. They are committed to sustainability and have implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. For instance, Tarkett has set a goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. They are also committed to promoting biodiversity and have created several wildlife habitats at their manufacturing sites.
Marmoleum
Marmoleum is dedicated to creating sustainable flooring options made from natural materials and biodegradable. For example, their linoleum flooring is made from renewable materials such as linseed oil, pine resin, and wood flour. Marmoleum’s commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through their initiatives to reduce their environmental impact. They have implemented a closed-loop system at their manufacturing sites, ensuring all waste materials are recycled or repurposed.
Bolon
Bolon is committed to offering sustainable flooring options made from recycled materials and designed to be durable and long-lasting. They have implemented several initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, such as their take-back program. This program allows customers to return their old Bolon flooring, which is then recycled into new products. Additionally, Bolon has set a goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2025 and has implemented several measures to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using renewable energy sources in their manufacturing process.
Furniture
Herman Miller
Herman Miller’s “Earthright” program aims to minimize waste, conserve resources and promote sustainable practices. The program includes initiatives such as reducing water usage and greenhouse gas emissions, promoting recycling, and reducing waste through sustainable design practices. For instance, the company uses recyclable materials in its products, and its furniture designs are modular, allowing for easy repair and replacement of damaged parts rather than replacing the entire product. Additionally, the company has invested in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power to reduce its environmental impact.
Ercol
Ercol uses sustainable materials such as solid wood and strongly focuses on designing furniture built to last. The company’s ethical production practices include ensuring that all wood is responsibly sourced and using environmentally friendly finishes. Furthermore, Ercol has implemented a closed-loop system that recycles wood waste into biomass fuel for heating, thereby reducing its environmental impact.
Blu Dot
Blu Dot uses sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood and recycled plastic in its furniture products. The company also has a furniture recycling program that allows customers to return their old Blu Dot furniture for recycling. This initiative promotes the circular economy, where resources are used and reused in a closed-loop system, reducing waste and minimizing environmental impact.
Muuto
Muuto’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of FSC-certified wood and other sustainable materials in its furniture designs. The company also focuses on creating timeless designs that will last for years to come, reducing the need for replacements. Additionally, Muuto has implemented an energy-efficient lighting program in its production facilities, which reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Vitra
Vitra’s focus on sustainability is reflected in its use of sustainable materials such as FSC-certified wood and recycled materials. The company’s “Vitra for Life” program promotes furniture repair and refurbishment, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of its products. Furthermore, the company has implemented energy-efficient practices in its production facilities, including using renewable energy sources and optimizing energy consumption. Vitra also supports biodiversity through its landscaping practices, which include planting native species and creating habitats for wildlife.
Wood Alternatives
As the demand for sustainable interior design grows, manufacturers are turning to alternative materials to replace traditional wood products. These materials are often more eco-friendly and have a lower environmental impact.
One popular wood alternative is bamboo, a fast-growing grass that can be harvested without killing the plant. Bamboo is strong, durable, and has a similar appearance to wood. Companies like Plyboo and BamCore specialize in bamboo-based products, including flooring, cabinetry, and furniture.
Another wood alternative is cork, which is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees. Cork is a renewable resource with a unique look and texture that can add visual interest to interiors. Companies like Wicanders and Expanko produce cork flooring, while brands like Crate&Barrel and West Elm offer cork furniture.
Recycled materials are also becoming popular alternatives to wood. For example, companies like EcoCradle and GreenCore Materials produce packaging materials made from agricultural waste that can be molded into furniture, lighting, and decor. Additionally, reclaimed wood is another eco-friendly option that is gaining popularity. Companies like Urban Wood Goods and The Old Wood Co. specialize in creating furniture and home decor from reclaimed wood.
By using these sustainable alternatives, manufacturers can create products that are not only eco-friendly but also stylish and functional. Incorporating these materials into interior design can reduce the industry’s environmental impact while still creating beautiful and functional spaces.
ModWood
ModWood is an Australian company that produces composite decking, screening, and cladding products made from a mix of recycled plastics and reclaimed wood waste, reducing the amount of waste in landfills. They also source wood waste from sustainably managed forests, promoting responsible forestry practices. The company aims to reduce the need for traditional wood products, often contributing to deforestation. The company’s products are designed to mimic the look and feel of real wood while being more durable and sustainable.
Plyboo
Plyboo is a US-based bamboo plywood, flooring, and veneer manufacturer. The company’s products are primarily made from bamboo, a highly renewable resource that grows quickly and requires very little water. This means Plyboo’s products have a lower environmental impact than traditional wood products. Additionally, Plyboo has implemented sustainable manufacturing practices, including using low-VOC adhesives and recycling water during the manufacturing process. Plyboo’s products have a natural and contemporary look that can be used in various interior design styles.
Ecolife
Ecolife is a UK-based company that produces a range of wood-alternative products, including decking, fencing, and outdoor furniture. The company’s products are made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood waste and are designed to be both sustainable and durable. Using these materials, Ecolife reduces the waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Additionally, their products have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than traditional wood products, reducing the need for replacements and the resulting waste. Ecolife’s focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness extends beyond their products, as they also implement eco-friendly practices in their manufacturing process, such as using renewable energy sources and reducing water consumption.
Woven Earth
Woven Earth is a US-based manufacturer of sustainable furniture made from bamboo, rattan, and other natural fibers. By utilizing bamboo, rattan, and other natural fibers, Woven Earth can create furniture with a unique and organic look that is both aesthetically pleasing and eco-friendly. Their commitment to sustainability also extends to their production process, where they use eco-friendly dyes and work to minimize waste. The company’s products have a unique and organic look that can add a touch of natural warmth to any interior design.
Kirei
Kirei, a US-based company, creates interior design products like flooring, wall coverings, and furniture from renewable and recycled materials such as bamboo, sorghum, and recycled paper. Using these materials, Kirei can reduce the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills and promote sustainable materials. Their products have a sleek, modern look that complements contemporary interior designs. Kirei’s commitment to sustainability also extends to their manufacturing process, where they strive to minimize their environmental impact. For instance, the company uses water-based adhesives in their products, which are non-toxic and emit fewer harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than traditional adhesives. They also implement a closed-loop manufacturing system, meaning they try to reuse and recycle as much of their production waste as possible.
In addition to reducing their environmental impact, Kirei also supports the well-being of wildlife. For example, the company has partnered with the Audubon Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bird conservation, to promote bird-friendly design. They offer products certified by the Audubon Society as safe for birds, such as their EchoPanel Hex, a sound-absorbing panel made from recycled PET plastic bottles. Kirei also supports planting trees through their partnership with the National Forest Foundation, which helps restore wildlife habitat and improve air and water quality.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our journey exploring sustainable finish manufacturers, it is clear that sustainability is no longer a passing trend but a crucial aspect of interior design. With a growing selection of eco-friendly and sustainable options available, designers can create stunning and functional spaces that align with their values and positively impact the environment. By supporting companies that prioritize sustainability and conservation, we can all make a difference in preserving the natural beauty of our natural world. Let us continue researching and choosing products that align with our values and environmental goals and work together towards a more sustainable future.
