Crate & Barrel becomes the latest home goods retailer to make a commitment to improving the sustainability of its products and operations. The company outlined a list of goals to achieve by 2025 designed to decrease its environmental impact while improving the safety of its products across all brands—Crate & Barrel, CB2, Crate & Kids, and Hudson Grace.
Among the goals outlined in Crate & Barrel’s sustainability plan, the company plans to incorporate 60 percent Certified Preferred Fibers in its textiles. Certified Preferred Fibers are defined by the Textile Exchange as fibers that result in improved environmental and/or social sustainability outcomes and impacts in comparison to conventional production.
Crate & Barrel also plans to make at least 50 percent of its furniture FSC Certified, and 100 percent of its Crate & Kids furniture GreenGuard Gold Certified.
Crate & Barrel joins a cadre of home goods retailers and manufacturers making measurable goals toward sustainability. Major brands such as Ikea and Pottery Barn, as well as smaller companies such as Sabai and Parachute have launched sustainability and circularity initiatives in the past year.
These moves come at a time when sustainability in home goods has become more important than ever to consumers. According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council’s most recent consumer study, 96 percent of respondents said they would purchase eco-friendly home products if the style and price are comparable to less sustainable items.
Seven core values will drive Crate & Barrel’s sustainability program going forward. Those values include climate neutrality, sustainable materials. ethical supply chain, circular solutions, empowered employees, conscious customers and digital responsibility. The company will also increase transparency and reporting progress for these commitments.
“Our vision is to build a home with purpose in order to create happier and healthier communities for future generations. These goals represent our commitment to helping our people and the planet thrive while growing our business,” said Janet Hayes, CEO, Crate & Barrel Holdings. “This is just the beginning; we are on a journey driven by passion, transparency and accountability at every turn, to leave the world a better place than we found it.”