Harden To Occupy Outpost in MMPI’s EcoStyle Pavilion

Furniture World Magazine

Harden Furniture announced that it will occupy and man a 300-square-foot outpost in the EcoStyle Pavilion, located in the Suites at Market Square, during High Point Market’s October show. Touting a long-held commitment to sustainable environmental practices with the slogan, “We were green before green was cool,” the fifth-generation run Harden Furniture wants buyers to know that its latest eco-friendly initiative is not a mere trend or superficial marketing. “Respect for the land is a value that has been passed down since my great, great grandfather opened the sawmill that became Harden Furniture,” says Greg Harden, president and chief executive officer of the 163-year-old furniture manufacturer. “Environmental awareness and responsibility are entrenched in our company culture and evidenced by many conservation practices that we adhere to.” The planned display includes handcrafted and heirloom-quality case goods made with SFI® certified lumber. Featured woods are grown in Harden-managed, slow-growth forests or supplied by other timber landowners who support Best Management Practices (BMP). Also debuting in Harden’s outpost is a “green” upholstery collection. Harden Furniture will continue to exhibit market introductions in the company’s permanent showroom located at 200 N. Hamilton in High Point. Environmentally-friendly production and safer, chemical-free goods are influencing some consumer purchases, according to numerous media reports, particularly at the higher end of the market. The Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) was recently formed by manufacturers and others in the home furnishings industry to define standards and communication tools that will help consumers identify these products. Harden Debuts Green Upholstery Line Harden Furniture will give environmentally sensitive consumers more options with green upholstery. The new product debuts to retail buyers at the October High Point Market. Beth Penley, vice president of design for Harden, has selected eight fabric covers to meet new criteria, commonly referred to as “green”: organic, recycled or otherwise chemical-free. “The frames and covers are as environmentally responsible as we can make them, and we are sourcing compatible foam for the cushions,” says Penley. “Harden is responding to consumer demand for better and safer products, especially at the high-end of the market.” Textile mills and other suppliers have been an integral part of establishing the new direction, according to Penley. “It’s exciting to see change happening at every level of the supply chain,” she adds. “We think this is just of the beginning for so-called eco-conscious furnishings.” From Craftex Mills’ Meridian collection, Harden will offer its dealers and interior design customers a textured stripe made from post-consumer plastics and recycled cotton; from Cone Mills, another post-consumer product boasts a contemporary or transitional look in black and natural hues; and from Marlatex, Penley chose a 100% cotton woven, free of chemical finishes. Two new leathers in oyster and ebony, which use natural, recyclable dyes, are also featured. Two sofa and three chair frames will be shown at the Market. Harden’s new green line will be shown in the company’s permanent showroom at 200 N. Hamilton, as well as Harden’s 300 square-foot outpost in MMPI’s EcoStyle Pavilion, located at the Suites at Market Square. Long considered an environmental steward for its forestry practices, Harden Furniture began its SFI® (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) certification process in 2000. Harden-managed forests supply the company’s Upstate New York-based factory with a majority of the timber that becomes furniture. Harden employs various conservation practices in its factory and was an early adopter in avoiding chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)-producing foam in cushion production. Company president and chief executive officer Greg Harden occupies a seat on the New York State Environmental Board and is active with the nascent Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC). Early in 2007, Harden Furniture established the Living Canopy Project, an environmental and youth education outreach program.