At Smitty's Furniture, we're proud to showcase Canadian-made furniture that not only brings beauty and comfort to your home but also reflects a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. Many of our trusted Canadian manufacturers have implemented impressive sustainability practices that go beyond the finished product to encompass their entire production process.
Let's explore how some of our premier Canadian furniture partners are making significant strides in environmental stewardship while crafting furniture that's built to last for generations.
Bermex: Small Actions, Big Impact
Respect for the environment stands as a core value at Bermex, a leading Canadian furniture manufacturer specializing in dining furniture. Their approach to sustainability encompasses both manufacturing processes and everyday workplace practices.
In their factories, Bermex has implemented several eco-conscious measures:
- Non-polluting machinery and energy-efficient computer equipment
- Recycling of packaging materials and recovery of wood chips and other wood pieces
- Consolidated shipping from their distribution centre to ensure fully loaded trucks, reducing transportation emissions
Their commitment extends beyond the factory floor to office practices, where employees use paper responsibly through double-sided printing and recycling. Even lunchtime reflects their environmental values, with staff using lunch boxes and cups made from recycled plastic instead of disposable options.
Perhaps most importantly, Bermex creates furniture that stands the test of time. "The best example of our commitment to sustainable development remains our durable hardwood furniture," notes Bermex. "In fact, your grandchildren may very well use in their first home the same high-quality furniture that you are buying today."
This long-term approach to furniture creation represents sustainability in its truest form—creating products that won't need to be replaced for generations.
Durham Furniture: Doing the Right Thing
Located in the Town of Durham, Ontario, Durham Furniture has built a reputation for crafting solid wood furniture from sustainably harvested North American forests. Their comprehensive approach to environmental responsibility has earned them recognition as a Silver Exemplary Corporate Member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
Durham Furniture's commitment to sustainability encompasses multiple aspects of their operation:
- All furniture pieces meet and exceed the California Air Resources Board (CARB 2) compliance requirements and TSCA VI requirements
- Internal quality control and product testing programs ensure compliance with safety standards
- Continuous improvement programs for environmental practices
- A liaison committee of local Durham residents helps the company maintain strong environmental standards in the community
Beyond environmental considerations, Durham also maintains a strong Social Equity Code of Conduct that extends to their suppliers. This includes providing proper wages and working conditions, using sustainable practices in acquiring products, and maintaining a strong commitment to health and safety for employees and the community.
Durham Furniture meets the requirements of the Toxic Reductions Act (TRA) and Ontario Regulations aimed at reducing the use and emission of toxic substances, demonstrating their proactive approach to environmental protection.
Palliser: Social Sustainability and Supply Chain Responsibility
Palliser Furniture recognizes that sustainability extends beyond environmental considerations to include social responsibility. Their approach to social sustainability focuses on creating supportive workplaces where employees can thrive.
"It's important to us that our workforce has the space, ability and support needed to engage, evolve, and live healthy lives," states Palliser. Their commitment includes fair wages, positive working conditions, comprehensive benefits, and programs focused on mental and physical health.
Palliser has also taken a leadership role in supply chain responsibility. In accordance with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, they implement policies, provide training, and monitor supply chain channels to manage risks of child and forced labour. This commitment demonstrates their understanding that true sustainability requires ethical practices throughout the entire production process.
Brentwood Classics: Family Values, Sustainable Vision
For over 45 years, family-owned Brentwood Classics has been designing and manufacturing custom Canadian bench-made sofas with a commitment to craftsmanship, style, and integrity. As a proud member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, they invest in high-quality, sustainably sourced materials to create products that embody stewardship and responsibility.
Brentwood's environmental commitment extends to the materials they use in their products. All of their products feature foam that is CertiPUR-US® certified , meaning it's made without ozone depleters, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. The foam is also free from harmful flame retardant chemicals, formaldehyde, and has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for better indoor air quality.
This attention to material selection not only benefits the environment but also creates healthier living spaces for their customers.
Serta: Recycling and Efficiency in Mattress Manufacturing
Serta has implemented numerous eco-friendly practices in their mattress manufacturing process, with a particular focus on recycling and waste reduction:
- 100% of Serta innersprings and box springs are made from 95% post-industrial recycled steel
- All remnant scrap of mattress ticking, foam, wood, steel, and plastic is recycled
- Crating materials for innersprings are recycled
- Strategic location of manufacturing plants and suppliers minimizes transportation costs and fuel consumption
- Reduced secondary packaging to less than 5% of product weight
- "Just in Time" manufacturing schedule reduces unnecessary energy use and waste
These practices demonstrate how even large-scale manufacturers can implement sustainable practices that make a significant difference in reducing environmental impact.
Why Sustainable Furniture Matters
When you purchase sustainable furniture from Canadian manufacturers like those featured at Smitty's, you're making a choice that benefits both your home and the planet in several ways:
Reduced Environmental Impact: Sustainable manufacturing processes use fewer resources and create less pollution than conventional methods.
Healthier Indoor Environment: Furniture made without harmful chemicals contributes to better indoor air quality and a healthier living space.
Supporting Ethical Business Practices: Companies committed to sustainability often maintain higher ethical standards throughout their operations.
Long-Term Value: Well-crafted, sustainable furniture is built to last, reducing the need for replacement and ultimately saving resources and money.
Canadian Jobs: By choosing Canadian-made sustainable furniture, you're supporting local economies and craftsmanship.
Caring for Your Sustainable Furniture
To maximize the lifespan of your sustainably crafted furniture, proper care is essential. Bermex offers some excellent guidance that applies to many types of wood furniture:
- Clean with a slightly dampened cloth and polish with a soft dry cloth—no chemicals needed
- Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods
- Maintain consistent humidity levels in your home (ideally around 40%)
- Avoid placing extremely hot or cold objects directly on wood surfaces
- Immediately wipe away any spilled liquids
By following these simple care instructions, you can ensure your sustainable furniture remains beautiful for generations, maximizing its environmental benefits.
Our Commitment at Smitty's
At Smitty's Furniture, we're committed to offering high-quality, sustainably produced Canadian furniture in our showrooms across Southern Ontario. We believe that beautiful homes and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, and we're proud to partner with manufacturers who share this vision.
When you visit our showrooms in Hanover, Kitchener, or Barrie, our knowledgeable staff can help you select sustainable Canadian-made furniture that meets your needs while aligning with your values. We're passionate about helping our customers create beautiful, comfortable, and environmentally responsible homes
By choosing sustainable Canadian furniture, you're not just furnishing your home—you're investing in a healthier planet and supporting manufacturers who are leading the way in environmental stewardship. It's a choice that feels good today and creates a better tomorrow for generations to come.