Production Materials

We try, as much as possible, to prioritise natural, renewable materials such as wood, leather and wool. Even in product development, we try to minimise resource consumption by optimising the use of materials or using the same components in several of our models. We also work a lot with separability, which makes details repairable and interchangeable. For example, the Day chair has been designed to allow modification into the Dino armchair.

Wood & wood-based materials

Almost all our products contain wood: mostly Nordic varieties of timber such as beech, oak and ash. Wood was where it all started in 1893. We have a long woodworking tradition, previously from felling to finished furniture; nowadays we purchase raw materials that we process to their full potential. Wood is a renewable material and has environmental advantages compared to other materials. For example, wood needs neither lots of energy nor chemicals to be processed and worked. On the other hand, deforestation and loss of biological diversity are issues of particular importance to consider regarding timber products.

Therefore we require our suppliers to trace all timber and wood-based materials to ensure that they come from legal and acceptable sources. That means, among other things, that national and local laws and regulations are followed regarding usage, the environment, labour and welfare, health and safety, as well as other parties’ usufruct.

Wood is a living material that is influenced by its surrounding climate. Wooden furniture should be kept in heated rooms to prevent cracks forming and changes in shape. It is also worth remembering that if wooden furniture is exposed to sunlight, then this should be done equally in order to avoid uneven discolouration.

Wooden furniture can be reused, recycled and, in the end, chipped for energy.

Plastic, rubber & upholstery

We use polyether or moulded polyurethane (PUR) in our upholstered furniture. Plastic padding has become the industry standard as it maintains shape and comfort for a long time, as well as being cost-effective. We continually try to find more sustainable alternatives and constantly test other materials. For example, one of our recent models uses woollen needle-felt padding.

In addition, we use a small amount of plastic in our furniture for the fittings and leg pads. These help protect the floor when furniture is moved and protect furniture during cleaning.

The plastic in our furniture does not contain PVC, short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP), pigment based on arsenic, lead, cadmium, tin, chromium six or mercury, fertility-damaging plasticisers or halogenated flame retardants that, for example, contain chlorine or bromine compounds.

The plastic is recyclable or energy recoverable.

Metal

Gärsnäs uses high-quality steel in its armrests and frames, mainly tubular steel. Treatment is required for corrosion resistance, usually with powder-coating finishing and chrome plating (chrome III).

Steel is recyclable.

Glue

Glue is used in our furniture to join different materials or components of the same material. We primarily use water-based glues for wood and water-based glues for bonding upholstery material.

Textiles & leather

Our customers select the textiles for their furniture. We recommend the fabrics on our price list as they are carefully selected in terms of quality, fire safety, the environment and responsible supply chains. The majority of these fabrics also comply with the EU Ecolabel and/or Oeko-Tex Standard 100. This involves, among other things, testing for chemicals hazardous to health and the environment. Please contact customer support for more information about the fabrics you are interested in.

We primarily use vegetable-tanned leather supplied by Tärnsjö Garveri. Leather is a living material and like other natural materials may have minor changes in colour, tiny marks from insect bites, etc, which all shows it is a natural product.

Leather is a by-product and, like textiles, can be reused and energy recovered. Textiles can be recycled too, depending on the materials contained.

Surface treatment

All our products receive surface treatment. Wood details are lacquered or stained, and steel is powder coated or chrome plated (chrome III). Hardwax oil is used on some wooden furniture. As much as possible, we use water-based surface treatment products and always strive to minimise our environmental impact by making good choices regarding surface treatment products.

Packaging material

We use packaging material that can be recycled or reused. The majority of our furniture is packed with protective bags and felting, which is reused, helping to optimise transports and the amount of wrapping material. But our furniture is also despatched in cardboard boxes too.   

Gärsnäs is affiliated with FTI (Förpacknings och Tidningsinsamlingen) and as a producer we take specific care of packaging material. Plastic and cardboard is left for recycling when it can no longer be reused.