In a world rife with greenwashing, how do you tell how genuine a brand is about its commitment to sustainability? In the case of local furniture industry, you can look to the Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC).
At its annual gala dinner in late November, SFIC announced a new initiative called furniture Sustainability Leaders Programme (SLP). It seeks not only to grow internal competencies but also to expand a network that shares sustainable practices and facilitates collaborations, allowing industry businesses to elevate and thrive together.
As part of the SLP, SFIC announced the Sustainability Leaders Recognition (SLR) Initiative that spotlights first movers that have displayed exemplary sustainable practices.
This recognition aims to empower these businesses in their green transition and inspires others to kickstart their sustainability journeys. The judging criteria include the fields of technology and innovation, environmentally-friendly materials, the circular economy, responsible supply chain management, health and well-being, and sustainability governance.
For the inaugural run of the SLR, the jury panel has identified five first-mover companies and one special mention. They are:
Koda
![home-decor-sfic-kodas-lush-collection-launched-oct-2022](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-kodas-lush-collection-launched-oct-2022.jpg)
Furniture brand Koda is recognised for applying environmental assessments for their suppliers and sourcing some of their wood and materials from suppliers with sustainability certifications. It also has a comprehensive sustainability roadmap co-developed with established sustainability consultants like McKinsey. The brand’s new facilities have also been installed with solar panels.
Matex International
![home-decor-sfic-matexs-more-environmentally-friendly-dyes](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-matexs-more-environmentally-friendly-dyes.jpg)
Matex is a a company that provides specialty chemical technology and material solutions. It has partnered with various organisations to work towards a circular economy. It has pledged for ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals), ETAD, Bluesign and Responsible Care – standards that advocate Global environmental, health and safety (EHS) initiatives for a better and safer industry for all.
Redwood Interior
![home-decor-sfic-redwood-interior-building](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-redwood-interior-building.jpg)
As an established player in the contract manufacturing industry, Redwood Interior generates zero wastewater discharge during in its metal coating process, uses low-VOC water-based paints and separates metal waste for recycling and has switched from Styrofoam to air-filled columns to reduce packaging materials.
To manage its supply chain more responsibly, Redwood has a Supplier’s Code of Conduct that is reviewed annually. It is also audited regularly by clients’ appointed external auditor for SA8000.
Sam & Sara
![home-decor-sfic-ipse-ipsa-ipsums-stylo-milo-bar-cart-upcycled-from-sias-galley-cart-and-refurbished-and-redressed-with-batik-bone-inlay-683x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-ipse-ipsa-ipsums-stylo-milo-bar-cart-upcycled-from-sias-galley-cart-and-refurbished-and-redressed-with-batik-bone-inlay-683x1024-1.jpg)
![home-decor-sfic-ipse-ipsa-ipsums-henderson-self-watering-plant-coffee-table-made-from-wood-offcuts-circular-economy-biophilic-design-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-ipse-ipsa-ipsums-henderson-self-watering-plant-coffee-table-made-from-wood-offcuts-circular-economy-biophilic-design-1.jpg)
Better known in the cosumer world as the parent company of furniture brand Ipse Ipsa Ipsum, Sam & Sara develops products that are focused on technology and innovation and the circular economy. Seventy per cent of the materials it uses for its collections are waste or recycled materials, such as recycled yarn and leather offcuts. It have also upcycled pieces from aircraft parts and other materials since the start of 2022. The company is now working towards eradicating the use of polystyrene and introducing a honeycomb corrugated structure for packaging.
Sitra Global
![home-decor-sfic-sitras-signature-project-building-singapores-first-fsc-certified-deck-for-marina-bay-sands-in-2008-ii](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-sitras-signature-project-building-singapores-first-fsc-certified-deck-for-marina-bay-sands-in-2008-ii.jpg)
![home-decor-sfic-sitras-signature-project-building-singapores-first-fsc-certified-deck-for-marina-bay-sands-in-2008-i-681x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-sitras-signature-project-building-singapores-first-fsc-certified-deck-for-marina-bay-sands-in-2008-i-681x1024-1.jpg)
![home-decor-sfic-sitras-bay-table-bay-folding-chair](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-sitras-bay-table-bay-folding-chair.jpg)
A wood-based material supplier Sitra Global constantly looks for alternative environmentally friendly materials to add to their range of offerings. It recycles or upcycles 100 per cent of its wood waste and ensures that all of its .suppliers have legal certifications with relevant environmental certifications such as FSC and PEFC.
Special Mention: Panelogue
![home-decor-sfic-panelogue-x-plain-vanilla-neil-road](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-panelogue-x-plain-vanilla-neil-road.jpg)
![home-decor-sfic-panelogue-x-duo-residence](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-panelogue-x-duo-residence.jpg)
![home-decor-sfic-panelogue-artwork-made-from-different-panel-materials-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/home-decor-sfic-panelogue-artwork-made-from-different-panel-materials-1.jpg)
Panelogue is specially mentioned for its initiatives in developing products that focus on technology and innovation and environmentally-friendly materials. The company collects offcuts and samples from both its operations and customers to make new samples or extend the lifespan of samples that are still in good quality. It also uses zero per cent VOC bio-based resin and signed the Alliance for Action on Sustainable Spaces Low Formaldehyde Commitment Statement.