Our Commitment to Sustainability
Why Sustainability Matters to Us
At GLOBAL, we believe beautiful design and thoughtful choices can go hand in hand. While not every product we offer is classified as sustainable, we believe it is important to help customers understand the materials, certifications, and features that can make a product a more responsible choice.
This page is designed to explain what sustainability can mean in furniture and home design, and to highlight some of the materials and qualities to look for when shopping our collection.
Understanding Sustainable Materials
When exploring furniture and décor, there are certain materials, certifications, and construction methods that may point to a more sustainable option. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices for your home.
FSC Certified Wood
FSC Certified wood comes from responsibly managed forests that are cared for with attention to biodiversity, environmental impact, and long-term forest health. This certification helps support responsible forestry practices and more thoughtful sourcing.
Recycled Materials
Materials such as recycled glass and recycled aluminum help reduce waste by giving existing materials a second life. In many cases, recycled materials also require less energy to produce than new raw materials.
Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is recovered from older buildings, structures, or furniture and repurposed into new pieces. Because it reuses existing material rather than requiring newly harvested lumber, reclaimed wood can be a more resource-conscious option while also adding character and uniqueness.
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Some materials grow or regenerate much faster than traditional hardwoods, making them a more renewable option. These materials can be a good choice for customers looking for products with a lighter environmental footprint.
Woods to Look For
When shopping for wood furniture, the species alone does not always determine whether a product is sustainable. What matters most is how the wood is sourced, whether it is certified, and whether it is reclaimed or responsibly harvested. Here are some wood types and materials customers may come across:
Oak
Oak is a strong, durable hardwood known for its timeless look and long-lasting performance. When FSC Certified or responsibly sourced, it can be a more thoughtful material choice.
Walnut
Walnut is valued for its rich tone and distinctive natural grain. As with any hardwood, responsibly sourced or FSC Certified walnut is the better option to look for.
Teak
Teak is known for its durability and natural resistance to moisture, making it especially popular for indoor and outdoor furniture. Because teak is a slower-growing hardwood, certified and responsible sourcing is especially important.
Pine
Pine is widely used in furniture for its versatility and warmth. Reclaimed pine can be an especially good option because it gives existing wood a second life.
Mango Wood
Mango wood is often considered a more responsible material because it is typically harvested after the tree has completed its fruit-producing life. Rather than going to waste, the wood is repurposed into furniture and home décor.
Rubberwood
Rubberwood comes from rubber trees that have reached the end of their latex-producing cycle. Instead of being discarded, the wood is reused for furniture, making it a practical and resourceful option.
Bamboo
Bamboo is technically a grass, but it is often included in discussions about sustainable materials because it grows quickly and regenerates much faster than many traditional wood species.
Acacia
Acacia is a durable and often fast-growing hardwood used in a wide range of furniture and home pieces. When responsibly sourced, it can be a strong and long-lasting choice.
Ash
Ash is known for its strength, flexibility, and lighter color. It is commonly used in furniture and can be a more responsible option when sourced from certified or well-managed forests.
Beech
Beech is a durable hardwood often used in furniture frames and bentwood designs. Sustainably sourced beech can be a good option for quality, long-lasting construction.
Elm
Elm is appreciated for its visible grain and durability. As with other hardwoods, the most important factor is whether it has been responsibly sourced.
Mahogany
Mahogany is known for its rich color and classic appeal. Because some mahogany sources have raised environmental concerns, certified or responsibly sourced options are the best choice to look for.
Sungkai
Sungkai is a lightweight hardwood often used in furniture for its clean grain and natural finish. When responsibly sourced, it can be a good material to consider.
Mindi
Mindi wood is often used in furniture for its smooth texture and versatility. As with all wood products, responsible sourcing is key.
What to Look For
When browsing products, some signs of a more sustainable choice may include FSC Certified wood, reclaimed wood, recycled materials, rapidly renewable materials, durable construction, and thoughtful sourcing.
Not every product will include these features, but understanding what they mean can help you choose pieces that align with your style, needs, and values.