Environmental declarations appear today with almost every equipment order. The problem is that not all labels mean the same thing, and some of them are merely marketing slogans. Knowing a few of the most important systems allows you to distinguish reliable information from empty declarations.

FSC and PEFC, or the origin of wood

Both systems concern responsible forest management and confirm that the wood raw material comes from controlled sources. It is important that the certificate refers to a specific product or its manufacturer, and not generally to a trading company. It is worth looking for a certificate number in the documentation that can be verified.

EPD, or Environmental Product Declaration

This is a document describing the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. An EPD is not a rating on a good or bad scale, but rather a set of data based on an established methodology. Its value lies in comparability, making it possible to reliably compare two similar products.

EU Ecolabel

A label awarded to products that meet specific environmental criteria within the European system. In the case of furniture, it concerns, among other things, the materials used, volatile substance emissions, and durability. It is an externally awarded certificate, which distinguishes it from a manufacturer's self-declarations.

How to verify in practice

• Check whether the label refers to a specific product and not the entire company.

• Request the certificate number and validity date.

• Pay attention to who issued the document, i.e., whether it is an independent entity.

• Watch out for general claims about eco-friendliness that do not refer to any system.

Durability as an environmental factor

It is worth remembering that the most measurable environmental effect is achieved by a long product life cycle. A piece of furniture that serves for ten years and whose parts can be replaced is usually a better choice than a certified product that is replaced after three years. The possibility of repair and the availability of parts is a real, albeit less frequently discussed, aspect of responsible purchasing.

Summary

FSC and PEFC tell us about the origin of the wood, EPD provides comparable data about the life cycle, and EU Ecolabel confirms compliance with environmental criteria. When purchasing, verify specific documents instead of general declarations and remember that durability and repairability have a measurable environmental impact.