Buying wood with an FSC label means getting assurance that the wood comes from a sustainably managed source.

The FSC website says:

“FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not for profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.  It provides standard setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services for companies and organizations interested in responsible forestry.  Products carrying the FSC label are independently certified to assure consumers that they come from forests that are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations.

Only FSC

• prohibits conversion of natural forests or other habitat around the world
• prohibits the use of highly hazardous pesticides around the world
• prohibits the cultivation of genetically modified trees (GMOs)
• respects the right of indigenous peoples around the world
• controls each certified operation at least once a year – and if they are found not to comply, the certificate is withdrawn”

What they say:

• They are the only UK manufacturer whose kitchen furniture (cabinet) carcasses use 90-100% post consumer waste timber.  New wood is FSC certified.
• They use a Biomass waste recycling plant for heat (and power in the future) and have invested in machinery that converts scrap kitchens (from people’s homes) into briquettes usable in wood firing boilers.
• Their delivery process minimizes (and, if the photos are an indication, reuses) cardboard packaging.
• The meet ISO 9000 standards for quality management systems.

What I say:

They have some great eco-credential:

• Using post-consumer waste is better than post-industrial waste (which hasn’t had a previous life as a product). 
• They seem to have a real commitment for reducing landfilled waste. 
• They have a published environmental policy.
• Their literature included a certificate of “low formaldehyde emissions” implying their product minimizes added formadlehyde and it’s associated impact on indoor air quality.

I’d like to see more information about their products from a life cycle perspective. For example:

• Where do the raw materials (e.g., recycled and new wood, veneers) come from?  What kind of transportation miles do they have?
• Do they have a programme to reclaim their kitchen furniture from homes once it’s life is complete? 
• When old kitchen furniture is broken down into briquettes, does that mean that the melamine is burned as well? Does that release any pollutants/toxins of concern?

The display I saw at the EcoBuild show was topped with georgeous recycled glass worktops by GLASSeco, which are also mentioned in their catalog. Why aren’t more eco-friendly worktops on the website?  Their catalog also states that FSC wood is used for the handles, but what about the metal?

Their environmental policy states ”Although the Company’s system does not fully comply with the requirements of ISO 14001, it complies with the essentials.”  What would it take for them to meet ISO 14001?

Overall, Chamois seems to have some strong green credentials and the product really did look fantastic at EcoBuild.

Photo from http://www.chamois.co.uk/.