GARDEN FURNITURE FIRM’S UNIQUE ENVIRONMENTAL FIRST
December 7th, 2006 Category Furniture, Garden FurnitureA garden furniture company is the first in the UK to source the finest quality teak in the world carrying the highest possible environmental seal of approval.
Made on Earth’s range of top quality contemporary furniture now carries the prestigious Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification guaranteeing it meets the highest standards of responsible forest management.
The accolade is unique because Made on Earth is the only UK garden furniture company to design and manufacture FSC teak furniture sourced from Java, Indonesia – a world centre for quality wood.
Until now the FSC certified teak garden furniture in the UK was sourced mainly from South and Central America where the quality of wood is not as high as south east Asian teak because it comes from young trees.
However, Bristol based Made on Earth has used its extensive contacts in Indonesia to source reclaimed teak which has secured FSC approval. It is the strongest and most durable teak in the world with the FSC certification.
It means that Made on Earth’s range of furniture is not only the highest quality, but also the most environmentally sound.
The wood comes from old houses in Java that are being demolished and replaced by brick and stone structures as the country modernises.
By reclaiming the immensely strong wood, Made on Earth are able to take environmental responsibilities to a new level.
Richard Ballard, who started thanks to a Prince’s Trust grant and has grown the company into one of the most respected suppliers in the UK, said the development was a highlight of his business career.
“The ethical side of the business has become the most important element. I have always used Indonesian plantations operating sustainable forestry programmes. To now find wood that is reclaimed and carrying the FSC certification is a great credit to us.
“Our customers now know that they are not compromising on quality when buying FSC certified furniture,†he said.
As well as the unique efforts Made on Earth have made in sourcing their wood they also run charity programmes in Indonesia to help the communities around the factories and plantations.
“Our aim is to put something back into these communities and to protect their environment. We have made real progress at this and it is paying off for both the people of Indonesia and our business,†Richard said.
Made on Earth recently secured a major order with P&O Cruises because of its ethical trading policy. The company supplies its full range to garden centres and other retail outlets around the country. For more information visit www.made-on-earth.co.uk or call 0845 0956161
Notes to editors
For pictures and more information please contact Ed Stearns at Mason Media on 01628 521211 or 07939 188889 or email ed@masonmedia.co.uk
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international network to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC brings people together to find solutions to the problems created by bad forestry practices and to reward good forest management.