Kährs Debuts First Ever FSC/Fairtrade-Certified Flooring

Fsc Fairtradewoodflooring2

Kährs (Nybro, Sweden) has debuted the first line of wood flooring to carry both Forest Stewardship Council and Fairtrade certifications. Kährs expects to make the product available in the fall, and at first it will primarily be testing the product in the commercial sector, according to Bruce Uhler, environmental ambassador for the company.

Whereas the FSC certification promotes responsible forest management along with social, health and safety requirements, Fairtrade ensures small-scale workers in developing nations are properly compensated for their products. Fairtrade producers are provided access to foreign markets, and their products carry the Fairtrade Premium, extra funds that producers choose  how to invest, either in their communities or their business.

The dual labeling is part of a pilot project between FSC and Fairtrade begun in 2009. Kährs is sourcing its raw material from Chile's Curacautin Valley. Kährs is shopping the product to "one of the largest general contractors in the world," a global retail chain, and "one of the larger automobile companies in the world," which would install the dual-labeled flooring in its showrooms.

"We see this as a great corporate responsibility program for the company that will have an impact on millions of people involved in global forestry," Uhler said.

Fairtrade sees a partnership with FSC as an opportunity to assist the estimated 350 million people who depend on forests every day for livelihood and sustenance. Fairtrade products come from Africa, Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and more than 27,000 Fairtrade Certified products are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. While Fairtrade-certified wood is new, more common Fairtrade products include coffee, tea, flowers and apparel/linens.

Read more about Kährs FSC/Fair Trade flooring in Hardwood Floors' upcoming August/September issue.

This product photo was taken during the flooring's launch party:

Fsc Fairtradewoodflooring2

Page 1 of 796
Next Page
Resource Book
Looking for a specific product or a company? Wood Floor Business has the only comprehensive database of the industry.
Learn More
Resource Book
Podcasts
All Things Wood Floor, created by Wood Floor Business magazine, talks to interesting wood flooring pros to share knowledge, stories and tips on everything to do with wood flooring, from installation, sanding and finishing to business management.
Learn More
Podcasts