FORTE, the prominent Polish manufacturer of self-assembly furniture, has successfully established environmental responsibility into its core operations with a number of schemes that align with global sustainability standards and practices, and which promote environmental stewardship in the furniture industry.
Circular economy initiatives
Recognising the importance of resource efficiency, FORTE has implemented closed-loop processes for wood waste. Since 2020, the company has been using recycled raw materials to produce board in its TANNE factory, including wood waste from furniture manufacturing processes or damaged pallets, as well as sawmill residues. Already, 100% of the wood waste generated in the production processes in FORTE Group furniture factories is subjected to recovery processes, including through recycling.
The TANNE factory plays an important role in FORTE Group’s efforts to implement sustainable practices. It fully covers the demand for the basic raw material for furniture production and, thanks to vertical integration, reduces the negative impact on the environment, while at the same time improving efficiency.
Legal sources only
FORTE ensures that all wood and wood-based materials are sourced from sustainably managed forests, avoiding materials from illegal logging or ecologically sensitive areas. The company holds FSC™ (FSC-C118178) and PEFC (PEFC/32-32-206) certifications, which guarantee the traceability and responsible origin of its raw materials, and it only engages with providers who actively safeguard biodiversity.
Designed with the environment in mind
FORTE furniture is the result of sustainable design and production, always created with care and respect for the environment, while upholding the highest quality and ethical standards. One example of this is the introduction of the EasyKlix by FORTETM brand, which uses innovative Threespine® ID mounting technology.
Thanks to this technology, assembly takes place without the use of tools or screws. Not only is it convenient and ten times faster than the traditional method, but it also provides excellent stability. What’s more, it is easy to dismantle and recycle, which in turn extends the life cycle of the product and is thus in line with the company’s sustainability concept.
Investments in energy-efficient technologies
FORTE emphasises its firm commitment to Renewable Energy Sources (RES) and reducing its carbon footprint. The manufacturer has invested in photovoltaic farms at all its factories and has installed more than 17,000 solar panels. About 15% of the company’s yearly energy consumption is covered by solar power, which will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 6,500 tonnes.
A multidimensional approach to ecology
FORTE organises educational and ecological activities such as children learning to grow and take care of plants in a mini-greenhouse. It is keen to support other local environmental initiatives, including the annual planting or clearing of forests by senior citizens from the University of the Third Age.
FORTE’s commitment to the principles of sustainable development, biodiversity and protection of the planet, has led to the creation of the Bee FORTE project. With the help of a team of beekeeping enthusiasts from the company, the project aims to protect bees and promote biodiversity. It has sown flower meadows with a total area of 1.69 ha at all the factories; where melliferous plants (including herbs in danger of extinction) provide a home for pollinating insects and other wildlife.
FORTE has also built a mini-apiary at one of its branches. With environmental stewardship at the core of FORTE’s production practices, the company presents an appealing opportunity for those seeking to align with sustainability thought leaders.
