PORTLAND – Porter Designs, maker of the Good Earth “Furniture with a Conscience” collection, is bringing sustainability to every possible component for its High Point Market products
16 stylish groups of sectionals, sofas, loveseats, queen sleepers, and chairs are included in the collection. Throw pillows that coordinate with the styles, which range from contemporary to transitional. Porter Designs values affordability, fashion, and sustainability equally.
“The Good Earth Collection’s powerful sustainable message really struck a chord with retailers at the last market who are interested in giving their customers what they are looking for. We are passionate about sustainability, building a clever, successful business model that protects the environment so that future generations will have something to inherit. It’s not just a catchphrase for us,” said Porter Designs’ president and co-owner is David Weiss. “The truth is that the younger generation wants a change.”
Recycled plastic is used for the seat feet, repurposed oriented strand board, an eco-friendly substitute for plywood, is used for the seat frames, and recycled steel is used for the springs and cushion coils.
The seat backs and cushions are made of recycled Dacron/Dacron fiber wrap, which is made from PET (polyester) bottle flakes that have been melted down and spun again. Repreve yarns made from plastic bottles recovered from landfills and oceans are used to weave Culp performance covers.
“One yard of fabric contains up to nine plastic bottles, and it takes about 90 recycled plastic bottles to cover a sofa,” said Creative director and co-owner at Porter Designs, Julie Grant.
The business uses leathers that are produced sustainably in Italy to the highest European standards. The Leather Working Group has awarded the tannery a Gold Star rating, ensuring that no harmful tanning agents are employed and that all of the finishes are water-based. Water used in the tanning process is monitored, treated, and, whenever possible, reused throughout the tannery. According to the business, the tanning drums are designed to use less water and produce greater energy efficiency.
Sustainability extends to the packaging of the collection. The cardboard is recyclable and recycled, and the plastic wrap is made of recycled plastic.
“We are proud to say that our Good Earth Collection is the most sustainable upholstery collection available,” Grant said. “Many businesses use eco-friendly fabrics for their upholstery, but our Good Earth collection goes above and beyond by incorporating recycled materials into the upholstery’s construction. This enables us to produce upholstery that is stylish, cozy, long-lasting, and reasonably priced while reducing waste, which ultimately promotes a healthier environment. Additionally, it provides merchants with a gripping narrative to tell their clientele.”
Porter Designs is a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council and supports the SFC’s core focus of “People-Planet-Profits” as well as its mission to achieve a healthy balance between social equity, environmental concerns, and local economies, all of which are part of corporate values of Porter Designs.
The showroom for Porter Designs is situated in room 230 of the Centers of High Point|Hamilton.
Reference: https://www.furnituretoday.com/green/porter-designs-good-earth-upholstery-collection-is-sustainable-inside-and-out/
