Sustainability

Palos Verdes Cliffs, Rancho Palos Verdes, California. Photo by Jared Sanders
Palos Verdes Cliffs, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Photo by Jared Sanders

The health of our team and our environment drives our manufacturing ethos. We are proud of the fact that we’ve been located in Southern California since 1946, where state environmental policies build on a long history. From being the first to regulate vehicle exhaust in 1965, to establishing the Green Chemistry Initiative in 2008, California continues to lead the charge for cleaner, more responsible manufacturing across all sectors.

But adhering to local and state regulations is just the beginning. We continually seek better ways to ensure we minimize our waste and are responsible with the resources we consume, while creating the healthiest products possible. And our products have the certifications to prove it, including SCS Indoor Advantage and Indoor Advantage Gold, among others.


Keep it Local

Our wood framing comes from sustainably-managed forests on the West Coast with FSC Chain-of-Custody certification available. Our metal fabrication partners are a short drive away in Los Angeles and Orange County. And our manufacturing and finishing happens right here at our two facilities in Gardena, California. Keeping sourcing and fabrication as localized as possible not only lessens our carbon footprint, but also ensures the highest levels of quality control.

Material Health

We prioritize using low impact materials and finishes across all our products. We use only water-based adhesives and wood stains. VOC levels are maintained significantly below the South Coast Air Quality Management District standard. All our products are Formaldehyde free and contain no PVC. We don't use plated finishes.

Recycling and Waste Management

We are continually improving our processes to minimize waste. Our scrap polyurethane foam is recycled to create new carpet pads. Sawdust is collected to become organic mulch for regional farms. Excess textiles, wood waste, corrugated packaging and palettes are recycled. All finishing waste is contained in accordance with EPA guidelines. We monitor and test the storm water at our facilities to ensure pollutant levels meet the California Water Board guidelines.

Energy Consumption, Emissions and Conservation

We have made significant strides to lessen and offset our energy usage. We have invested in solar panels that will harvest energy to power all of our buildings. The first phase is now installed and generating power. The second phase is installed and will begin generating power soon. All lighting in both of our factories has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED.

Product shipments account for a significant portion of our carbon footprint. We have partnered with Carbonfund to create a Carbonfree® Shipping Program, which offsets all of our product shipments. Our offsets directly fund third party verified reforestation and forest preservation projects that sequester CO2 emissions from the atmosphere.

Quality Craft

Not least of all our sustainability policies is simply creating furniture that is built to last. With a timeless aesthetic and robust build quality, when you specify Martin Brattrud you are investing in seating and tables that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Certifications

Martin Brattrud seating and selected tables have been tested and certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) to meet SCS Indoor Advantage or Indoor Advantage Gold The criteria for this indoor air emissions certification program also meets the criteria of ANSI/BIFMA M-7.1 and X7.1 and therefore the criteria for LEED-CI EQ 4.5.

Certification documents and registration numbers: