Bernhardt Design

Bernhardt Design’s commitment to the environment, clean air, recycling, and waste reduction is demonstrated in the materials they select as well as in the processes in their factories.

They use no endangered rainforest wood species and use only woods harvested in accordance with CITIES (Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species). The woods and veneers they use in seating and casegoods are purchased from companies who practice sustainable forestry, including selective harvesting and aggressive reforestation.

Composition board, which includes particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF), comprises approximately 70% by weight of their casegoods products and is made of post-industrial recycled sawdust and wood chips. The aluminum die-castings and nylon thermoplastics that they purchase contain 25% recycled content, on average.

Bernhardt Design’s finishes are high-solid finishes with low TVOC’s and trace formaldehyde. The ultraviolet finishes used on their casegoods contain no formaldehyde. Their adhesives are water-based with minimal formaldehyde.

In 2004, they recycled over 180 tons of cardboard and 50,000 pounds of paper. Aluminum and scrap steel are also recycled. All of their plants generate scrap wood, which is recycled as fuel.

In order to further eliminate waste, they ship many of their products in reusable blanket wrapping which minimizes the raw materials used for packing materials and reduces the amount of material for landfill disposal.

In addition, Bernhardt Design is adopting the EFEC (Enhancing Furniture’s Environmental Culture) program, an environmental management system developed specifically for the furniture industry. This program will include a complete environmental analysis of all facilities and processes, employee education and training, supplier partnerships and annual audits by a certified EFEC auditor to insure that their environmental performance meets pre-determined standards.

In September, 2005, they were awarded the GREENGUARD™ certification for both their guest and lounge seating. Their online price lists and product pages designate the products that have been certified.