We Lead By Doing. And Being Transparent.
Smith System builds passion into everything we do. That includes sustainability. We don’t just say it, we set aggressive goals, benchmark our progress and analyze our metrics to keep improving. Today, we’re a leader in the global furniture manufacturing industry.
The Wellbeing of People and The Planet
Minimizing our environmental is a constant for us. Our goal: reduce our carbon footprint – and help customers do the same. Below, we explain our responsible practices for the lifespan of our eco-friendly products.
Our Sustainability Commitments
Sustainable Operations
Sustainability begins long before we manufacture an innovative new chair or versatile table. It begins with expecting environmental integrity in our daily operations.
ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System (EMS)
We operate in accordance with the world’s most recognized EMS certification. It provides a framework to measure and continually improve protecting the environment, our employees and customers.
EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating
The world’s largest sustainability auditor recently awarded us a 100% on its environmental scorecard. We also rank in the top 2% of all global furniture manufacturers for how we integrate sustainability and corporate social responsibility principles into our work.
Carbon Neutrality
We were the first furniture manufacturer to become carbon neutral in 2020. Our goal is to reduce our emissions 50% by 2030 through:
- Reducing overall energy consumption
- Continued investment in carbon offset projects, like reforestation
- Transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power
- Minimizing waste through recycling
- Partnering with suppliers who set their own rigorous targets
Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi)
We set carbon reduction targets and validate our efforts through a corporate climate action organization that defines best practices.
Sustainable Product Design
Designing to support a circular economy is a top priority. From the start, our product designers lay the groundwork for how to deliver the most sustainable school furniture. Their mission:
- Durability – exceptional-quality furniture that can endure generations of students
- Longevity – timeless designs that maintain their value long-term
- Multifunctional – flexible, non-trendy pieces that provide multiple classroom solutions
- Waste reduction – designing-out waste: minimizing materials and increasing recycled content
- Circularity – ensuring easy disassembly to enable repair, refurbishment or recycling
- Service – offering quick-delivery replacement parts
- Warranty – making good on our product promises
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
Materials
We work closely with suppliers to select components according to strict health, safety and environmental criteria – the industry’s and our own. Staying transparent with our customers is important, too.
Waste Reduction
One of our most successful sustainability areas has been reducing landfill waste. We’re also improving how we capture remnant waste as a material stream for new products.
Recycled Content and Responsible Sourcing
All of Smith System’s products include a percentage of recycled materials or materials that can be recycled at the end of their lifespan. We prioritize responsibly sourced raw materials, too, including sustainable wood and metals.
Recyclable Materials
Many of our products feature nearly 100% recyclable materials. (Ask your Smith System dealer to recommend a vendor to recycle components or help you find a new home for your preowned furniture.)
Numbers™ Chair: A Sustainable Sit
Reduce Or Prohibit Use of Harmful Chemicals and Compounds
Lead- and PFAS-Free
We select best-in-class components that are lead- and PFAS-free, eliminating harmful substances that could impact human health or the environment.
No/low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC)
We prioritize materials with no- or low-VOC emissions. That ensures cleaner indoor air that’s free of hazardous toxins, such as formaldehyde and heavy metals. We’re also exploring coatings and finishes that further reduce VOC emissions, without compromising durability or aesthetics.
Manufacturing and Packaging
Efficiency and Air Quality
Efficiency reduces waste. We’re working to make our manufacturing as efficient as possible. Our processes are also designed to minimize airborne pollutants, protecting both our employees and communities.
Carbon Emissions
Reducing carbon emission from our manufacturing reduces the total amount of embodied carbon (carbon released during the lifecycle of a product). This helps customers quantify the impact of their purchase and reach their carbon goals faster.
Assembly and Packaging
We assemble nearly all Smith System products in the U.S. and reduce waste by using recycled and recyclable materials when possible. We aim to eliminate all single-use plastics and increase recycled content in our packaging by 2030.
Questions?
We’re happy to discuss how we can help you achieve your sustainability goals with environmentally responsible K-12 school furniture. Please contact us or your Smith System dealer.
