Caring for the earth.

At Ekornes, being green is much more than a claim we can make. It’s a way of life stretching far beyond a cause we advocate, because respecting the environment means valuing our heritage and preserving our culture as Norwegians.

The beautiful land we are so lucky to call home paints a picture of the hard work and story of those who came centuries before us. Our historic connection to the land and sea gives us all more reason to preserve the crystal clear waters of the fjords our ancestors sailed and maintain the majestic beauty of the mountains and land our families have built their lives around. Without this regal terrain, we would not be who we are.

Preserving the environment not only protects our past, but also paves the way for our future. A future that deserves the same beauty we were afforded. Ensuring the quality of life for generations ahead is a culmination of small labors and changes coming together on a daily basis to maintain a healthy environment.

At Ekornes, the efforts we make every day aren’t done because they simplify a process, or because they cut a cost. They are done because it is in the best interest of the people we care for: our families, friends, fellow Norwegians and Ekornes customers.

We reuse our materials for practical purposes to cut back on the need for additional resources – resources that could be put to better use. Instead of tossing scraps in landfills, we recycle them to meet our needs. Take for example the gorgeous European beech used for Stressless chair bases. The excess wood chips are collected and burned to produce the heat used in our facilities, cutting back on energy needs and protecting the forests surrounding us. Or the scrap leathers stretched for sofas and chairs collected and sold to companies to create smaller products so nothing goes to waste.

Complex processes are designed by our engineers to ensure the safety of our employees as well as our land. We use intensive processes, such as close-loop steel degreasing to build metal bases, which allows us to avoid harmful emissions into the air and the fjords. We implement new practices and processes to protect the health of our employees and the cleanliness of our water.

Sustainable materials are sought out and purchased and water-based paints and lacquers are sourced. Only the highest quality materials are used. Our goal is to build a product with a minimal ecological footprint, a product that spans decades. Our daily efforts are what make Ekornes products quality products. We give you furniture that lasts, so you too can do your part for the earth.

One of the key environmental focus areas for Ekornes is to make products that last for a long time. To do so our leather needs to be of top quality and performance. Our own inspectors take part in the leather selection, which is conducted in accordance with international norms for quality determination. All Ekornes tanneries shall comprehend, sign and comply to Ekornes’ quality specification for leather.

Ekornes take the responsibility to make sure that the leather is manufactured according to current laws, guidelines and recommendations relating to their utilisation properties, and for the use and content of chemicals and other substances. Ekornes are cooperating with recognised international institutions in this line of business to ensure that we are updated at all times with events relating to health, safety and the environment. Ekornes are applying as a member of the Leather Working Group (LWG) endeavouring to promote improvement in the leather manufacturing industry by creating alignment on environmental priorities, bringing visibility to best practices and providing guidelines for continuous improvement.

All Ekornes’ leather suppliers shall comprehend, sign and comply to Ekornes’ restricted substance specification (RSL) for leather. The RSL is kept up to date by BLC Leather technology, ensuring that all relevant legal and chemical safety requirements are included. Ekornes do random sample testing for RSL compliance in addition to having suppliers do testing.
Ekornes only use leather from cattle bred for food production (meat, dairy). For Ekornes the animal welfare perspective in our leather supply chain is highly important. Animal welfare is also included in Ekornes’ Supplier Principles, stating our requirements and expectations to our suppliers. Ekornes recognize and endeavour to promote The Five Freedoms recommendations on animal welfare set out by the World Organisation by Animal Health (OIE) as a guideline for the leather supply chain.
1. 1.    Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour
2. 2.    Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area
3. 3.    Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment
4. 4.    Freedom to express (most) normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal's own kind
5. 5.    Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering

Ekornes promote management and measures avoiding the use of leather from deforestation areas. This includes buying from tanneries that are sourcing from slaughter houses that make public commitments to stop directly sourcing cattle from ranches with illegal activities and agreed to avoid purchase from properties from deforestation and protected areas, such as the Amazon Biome.