When creating our company, we chose to align ourselves with other companies that share the same passion for the environment. With all the products we design and produce, we strive to make them as Green as possible. Here are some of the materials that we carry and how they are Green:

100% FSC Certified Alder Frame

All of the frames for our upholstered goods are made with wood from Green sources. The company we purchase our wood from for our upholstered goods has an approach to FSC certification that relies on two basic types of standards:

1. Management Practices:

Addresses the management systems and processes needed to achieve environmental goals and manage environmental impacts. ISO 14001, which they are certified with, is a globally recognized standard of this type. This standard: defines how to manage effectively; requires steps such as set clear objectives, document best practices and establish reliable processes that promote continuous improvement; provides a record of how we're keeping our commitments.

2. Manufacturing Practices:

The second type of standard focuses more on the specific practices associated with growing and harvesting trees such as providing stream buffers, protecting wildlife habitat and preventing soil erosion. Examples of the certifications and programs that our wood products are associated with include the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Bamboo

The base material for all our exposed wood products including beds, tables and desks is bamboo plywood. Bamboo is considered a grass and from an environmental standpoint, this is important because is grows so quickly. Unlike traditional hardwoods, bamboo does not require replanting. Mature bamboo has an extensive root system that continues to send up new shoots without any outside manipulation. The natural grain on the bamboo highlights the eco-friendly stains that we apply to it, and its durability as a wood creates a piece that will last.

The process used to create the plywood is called a "hot process", where they heat and attach the layers of bamboo to each other. Some formaldehyde is used for structural integrity, but the amount is below E1 European standards which are stricter than the US standards. Any off-gasing occurs when the wood is being made, not at the time it is used for one of our products.

FSC Certified Maple

The wood we use for the inner structure of our exposed wood products along with the bamboo is FSC certified maple. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) focuses on the specific practices associated with growing and harvesting trees such as providing stream buffers, protecting wildlife habitat and preventing soil erosion. The FSC label enables consumers to choose forest products with the confidence that they are not contributing to the destruction of the world's forests.

Natural Latex

In the customization part of our website, upholstered products have a designated filter in the filling section just for "Green" filling options. Simply click on the filter labeled "Type" and select the category "Green (Environmentally Friendly)". The Green fillings that meet the above qualifications will only be shown.

Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees, and is a naturally derived biodegradable product. Bacteria, mildew, and mold cannot live in latex foam, so it is very resilient and durable. Latex provides a very comfortable sit just like the standard option we carry (polyurethane foam), but is not produced from synthetic materials.

As costs continue to work in our favor, we will soon only use natural latex for all of our products, with polyurethane foam not even being offered.

Natural Down & Feathers

Our feather/down fill options (the 25% down and the 50% down) both consist of all feathers and down. These feathers are considered byproducts of birds that are being raised for food and other reasons. All the feathers and down are thoroughly cleaned with non-toxic substances before being put into filling cases.

Recycled or Natural Fibers

Viesso carries Green fabrics that are either:

A. made from recycled materials

B. made from natural materials

C. manufactured in a manner that reduces environmental impact

In the customization part of our website, upholstered products have a designated filter in the fabrics section just for "Green" fabrics. Simply click on the filter labeled "Type" and select the category "Green (Environmentally Friendly)". The Green fabrics that meet the above qualifications will only be shown.

The following are a couple of the companies we have relationships with, including more information about their policies:

"Our environmental fabrics contain 49%+ recycled content or 75%+ natural fiber and may contribute to LEED certification. Additional upholstery fabrics not shown here have some recycled content or natural fiber. All KnollTextiles upholstery fabrics are Greenguard certified for low chemical emissions." For more information, check out Knoll's website.

"Maharam is committed to the implementation of progressive environmental practices as a matter of corporate and design philosophy." For more information, check out Maharam's Environmental Policy.

American Silk offers a variety environmentally friendly fabrics including 100% natural fibers, and an incredibly durable microsuede made 100% from recycled Polyester.

FSC Certified Alder Legs

Along with metal legs, we offer FSC alder wood legs for our upholstered products such as sofas and beds. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) focuses on the specific practices associated with growing and harvesting trees such as providing stream buffers, protecting wildlife habitat and preventing soil erosion. The FSC label enables consumers to choose forest products with the confidence that they are not contributing to the destruction of the world's forests.

Water Based Glue

We use water-based glues on our upholstered and exposed wood products. Water-based adhesives emit far less VOC's (Volatile Organic compounds) than their conventional solvent based counterparts. An adhesive that offers low to zero VOCs will be less toxic less odorous, and less flammable.

Green Wood Stains and Sealants

We use stains and finishes on our exposed wood pieces that are solvent-free and contain no biocides or preservatives, only aliphatic low-odor mineral spirits for less toxic results. Made with polyx oil, they’re engineered with plant oils and waxes. The clear coat sealants we use are water-based, non hazardous and non flammable.

Recycling Your Furniture

Using only high quality materials, we don't expect to see any products discarded for some time. Until the pieces can no longer be used, the best course of action for ecologically aware consumers is to sell or give their goods to another consumer, thereby avoiding disposal altogether.

However, should a product require disposal, we are currently establishing a comprehensive program whereby consumers can return their Viesso goods for complete recycling at no charge. Until such a program is finalized, we are happy to talk with our customers about returning their products to ensure proper reuse of as many parts as possible.