We don’t just list products we curate them. Every piece at Comosum is selected for its quality, responsible materials, and long-term use in real homes. That means no throwaway items, no fast furniture, and no hidden shortcuts in craftsmanship. When you buy from us, you’re choosing pieces built to last, made by makers who stand behind their work so you can feel confident bringing them into your home.
Certification Glossary
A Practical Guide to Furniture Certifications
What They Mean, Why They Matter, and How to Use Them
Sustainability in furniture isn’t defined by a single label or claim. It’s built through materials, manufacturing, safety, durability, and accountability—often verified through independent certifications. This glossary is designed to help you understand the most common furniture-related certifications, what each one actually measures, and how to use them to make more informed, eco-conscious purchasing decisions.
At Comosum, certifications aren’t treated as marketing badges. They’re tools we use to evaluate products honestly—cutting through greenwashing and focusing on standards that have real, measurable impact.
Sustainable Furniture Certification Glossary
FSC® — Forest Stewardship Council
What it covers: Responsible forest management
Applies to: Solid wood furniture, veneers, plywood
FSC certification ensures wood is harvested from responsibly managed forests that protect biodiversity, workers’ rights, and long-term forest health. It is one of the most widely recognized standards for sustainable wood sourcing.
SVLK — Timber Legality Assurance System (Indonesia)
What it covers: Legal and traceable wood sourcing
Applies to: Teak, mahogany, and other Indonesian hardwoods
SVLK verifies that wood is legally harvested, processed, and exported. It’s especially important for tropical hardwoods and helps prevent illegal logging.
Cradle to Cradle® Certified
What it covers: Full product lifecycle design
Applies to: Materials, finishes, entire products
Cradle to Cradle evaluates material health, recyclability, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. Products are designed so materials can safely return to biological or technical cycles—eliminating waste by design.
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
What it covers: Environmental impact across the lifecycle
Applies to: Furniture, textiles, finishes, lighting
One of the world’s most rigorous ecolabels, the Nordic Swan evaluates raw materials, energy use, emissions, chemical content, and durability—ensuring sustainability from production through use.
OEKO-TEX® Standard 100
What it covers: Chemical safety for textiles
Applies to: Upholstery, cushions, throws, bedding
OEKO-TEX® certified fabrics are tested against hundreds of harmful substances and are safe for direct skin contact—critical for soft goods used daily.
REACH (SVHC Compliant)
What it covers: Restriction of hazardous chemicals
Applies to: Finishes, foams, adhesives, coatings
REACH is an EU regulation that limits substances of very high concern (SVHC). Compliance indicates safer materials with reduced health and environmental risks.
PFAS-Free
What it covers: Elimination of “forever chemicals”
Applies to: Finishes, coatings, textiles
PFAS-free products avoid persistent chemicals linked to environmental and health concerns. This is especially important for indoor air quality and long-term exposure.
B Corp Certification
What it covers: Company-wide social and environmental responsibility
Applies to: Entire organizations
B Corp certification evaluates governance, labor practices, environmental impact, transparency, and social responsibility—measuring how companies operate, not just what they sell.
ANSI/BIFMA
What it covers: Strength, stability, and durability
Applies to: Seating, desks, office furniture
ANSI/BIFMA standards test furniture for commercial-grade performance, ensuring products are built to withstand years of daily use.
EN Standards (European Norms)
What it covers: Safety, durability, and performance
Applies to: Seating, tables, lighting
EN standards verify that furniture meets European requirements for strength, stability, and safety.
ASTM
What it covers: Material and product performance
Applies to: Furniture components and finished products
ASTM standards are widely used to test durability, materials, and structural integrity.
CARB Phase 2 / TSCA Title VI
What it covers: Formaldehyde emissions
Applies to: Composite wood products
These regulations limit formaldehyde emissions in wood products, improving indoor air quality.
IP Ratings (Ingress Protection)
What it covers: Resistance to dust and moisture
Applies to: Lighting, outdoor furniture
IP ratings indicate how well a product is protected against environmental exposure.
CE Marking
What it covers: Safety and regulatory compliance
Applies to: Lighting, electrical products
CE marking confirms products meet EU health, safety, and environmental standards.
Be Original Americas
What it covers: Design authenticity and IP protection
Applies to: Original furniture and lighting brands
Be Original Americas promotes original design and protects intellectual property—supporting ethical manufacturing and discouraging counterfeit production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What certifications matter most for sustainable furniture?
The most meaningful certifications address materials (FSC, SVLK), chemical safety (REACH, OEKO-TEX®, PFAS-free), durability (ANSI/BIFMA, EN), and company responsibility (B Corp).
Is one certification enough to make furniture sustainable?
No. Sustainability is cumulative. A truly responsible product often meets multiple standards across sourcing, safety, and durability.
Are certifications better than “eco-friendly” claims?
Yes. Certifications provide third-party verification, while unverified claims often rely on marketing language without accountability.
Why does durability matter for sustainability?
Furniture that lasts longer reduces waste, shipping emissions, and resource extraction. Longevity is one of the most impactful sustainability factors.
Does country of origin matter?
Yes. Transparency around where products are made helps assess labor standards, regulations, and environmental oversight.
How does Comosum use certifications?
We use them as evaluation tools—alongside material choices, design intent, and longevity—to curate furniture that meets real sustainability standards.
How can I avoid greenwashing when shopping?
Look for specific certifications, clear material sourcing, testing standards, and transparent manufacturing information. Vague claims are a red flag.
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Comosum is also a proud member and advocate of Be Original Americas, the leading organization dedicated to supporting and protecting original design. Be Original Americas promotes the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design, encouraging both creators and consumers to understand why originality matters. Through our membership, we stand alongside a global community that values creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship.
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Being part of Be Original Americas reinforces our belief that great design should respect its creators and the planet. It’s a commitment to authenticity — ensuring that every piece we offer honors the artistry, sustainability, and integrity that define original design.
Comosum is also a proud member and advocate of Be Original Americas, the leading organization dedicated to supporting and protecting original design. Be Original Americas promotes the economic, ethical, and environmental value of authentic design, encouraging both creators and consumers to understand why originality matters. Through our membership, we stand alongside a global community that values creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship.
Being part of Be Original Americas reinforces our belief that great design should respect its creators and the planet. It’s a commitment to authenticity — ensuring that every piece we offer honors the artistry, sustainability, and integrity that define original design.