“Creating beautiful natural products that tread lightly on the planet and restore wellbeing has been a core value of Hartmann&Forbes from the very beginning. Embracing eco-friendly practices and integrating natural elements into our spaces isn’t just a choice; it’s a collective commitment toward a greener, healthier future.”
Michael Jones, Founder
Commitment to Sustainability
At Hartmann&Forbes, we are intricately intertwined with our natural world. This connection generates a deeper appreciation for the planet and a greater sense that we need to participate in the preservation of its treasures for future generations. So it’s with thoughtful consideration that we continually seek ways to minimize our impact throughout our harvesting, weaving, and finishing processes, as well as drive change within our industry.
Regenerative Resources
We choose to use natural materials to craft our windowcoverings, wallcoverings, and textiles not only because they create a luxurious aesthetic but also because natural materials offer significant environmental benefits. Natural materials provide valuable ecosystem services, including the prevention of soil erosion and the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. Additionally, in contrast to conventional synthetics, naturally sourced materials are renewable resources that require less energy to produce, create less pollution, and contribute less to global climate change.
“Your use of sustainable materials aligns with my firm’s and my clients’ growing focus on eco-friendly design practices, contributing to a more environmentally conscious approach.”
Tineke Triggs, Designer
Well-Managed Ecosystems
We are committed to cultivating and harvesting rapidly renewable materials, by hand, in well-managed ecosystems. This practice reduces environmental impacts on the air and water quality in the regions where the materials are grown and processed. The raw materials we use come from hardy plants that can be naturally irrigated and often do not require pesticides, fertilizers, or other harsh chemicals. As a result, we are able to limit our impact on local watersheds, preserving them for other purposes.
Durability & Longevity
Luxury, in its truest form, lies in the longevity of possessions, in the assurance that they will not only endure but also flourish with age. Our meticulously crafted products epitomize this ethos, designed not just to last but to become cherished heirlooms. Durability is a key but rarely considered factor in environmental performance. Products that are built to withstand the test of time are inherently better for the environment than those that need to be replaced more frequently. Not only do these products require fewer resources over time, but they also take up less space in landfills. While high durability is important for a product, it does not outweigh the need for the product to break down quickly and without incurring harm to the environment at the end of its life. Each of our natural products is designed and crafted to heirloom quality using components that can be recycled, recrafted, or composted at the end of its lifecycle to minimize any impact on the environment.
Social Impacts
Our commitment to supporting global harvesting and weaving communities provides an economic incentive to maintain ancient crafting traditions that hold great cultural importance. We work diligently to reframe the context of responsible design by making products in ways that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. Our selective use of renewable fibers grown in well-managed ecosystems makes our designs distinctive and viable while ensuring these natural materials and traditions remain available for future generations. We pledge to continue our investments, ensuring these practices are kept vibrant and relevant today and into the future.
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
A guiding principle within our design philosophy centers on the concept of "Sanctuary, by nature," infusing interiors with natural materials to foster balance, harmony, and a reconnection to nature's calming essence. Our window, wall, and textile collections embody this ethos, crafting spaces that offer sanctuary and restoration within the embrace of the natural world.
BREATHE EASY
Synthetic or treated products commonly contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s), which can be released into the air over time (known as off-gassing), leading to poor indoor air quality that may contribute to a number of health problems. VOC’s can be found in adhesives, bleaching or dyeing agents, varnishes, coatings, paints and stains. We craft the majority of our products using materials and techniques that have low or no levels of VOC’s, minimizing the impact our products have on indoor air quality.
Partnership with One Tree Planted
Our connection to nature is deeply rooted in everything we do, and we’re committed to giving back to the environment that inspires us. Partnering with One Tree Planted, we’ll plant a tree for every order that, in turn, will help support global reforestation efforts to preserve biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and create a healthier world.
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FSC
Products come from responsibly managed forests that adhere to strict environmental and social standards.
Greenguard Gold
Products have undergone rigorous testing and meet stringent emission standards, ensuring indoor air quality and promoting healthier indoor environments.
OEKO-TEX
Indicates that textiles have been tested and certified to be free from harmful substances, ensuring safety for human health.
Masters of Linen
Certifies that linen products are made from European flax fibers, ensuring quality, sustainability, and traceability throughout the production process.
Hand Crafted
Celebrate, support, and preserve global craft traditions and time-honored artisanal techniques.
LEED
Our Natural Wallcoverings can help you achieve LEED credit in the rapidly renewable (MRC6) and low-emitting materials (EQC4) categories.
100 Best Green Workplaces
Recognizes companies and organizations for their outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability and green practices within the state.
Project Green
An H&F employee committee dedicated to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and implementing initiatives that further our company's sustainability goals.
H&F Sustainability News
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A Journey, not a Destination
As we celebrate our current milestones, we recognize that this is merely a stepping stone in our commitment to a greener future. Continual evaluation of every facet of our business is not just a goal; it's our ongoing mission. Our dedication is unwavering—we strive to not only be responsible but to emerge as the epitome of a trusted and conscientious company. This is not the end; it's the continuation of our journey toward a sustainable and responsible tomorrow. Join us as we navigate this path together.