First LEVEL Certifications To Updated Standard Announced
The first furniture products have been certified to the newest version of the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard. The standard was published in February 2019 and office furniture manufacturer Tayco, based in Toronto, has received LEVEL certification from Intertek, one of six certification bodies authorized to grant the LEVEL mark.
The 2019 standard updates the 2014 version and harmonizes with other leading programs using a product manufacturing, use, and recovery lens. The standard and certification mark are recommended by many governmental and private sector institutional purchasers for its comprehensive, multi-attribute approach to increased sustainability in furniture products. The 2014 version saw 72 manufacturers certify over 4,600 products to it, and it will remain available for use until February of 2020. After that, the three-year LEVEL certifications will have to begin using the new version upon recertification.
Tayco’s CEO Kevin Philips said “We understand that manufacturing can have a large impact on the environment and we are making a conscious effort to reduce our footprint in everything we create. It is rewarding for our employees, suppliers and customers to see that Tayco is committed to doing what is right for our planet and its people.”
Philips continued “Attempting the BIFMA e3 standard gave us the opportunity to take an in depth look at sustainability in all areas of the business including our environmental impact, health and wellness impacts, and social impacts. We couldn’t be more pleased to be the first to achieve LEVEL 2 with the new ANSI/BIFMA e3-2019 Furniture Sustainability Standard.”
Copies of the standard are available along with guidance documents and may be ordered online at the following link: https://www.techstreet.com/bifma/pages/home
More information on BIFMA and LEVEL can be found at the following links:
https://www.bifma.org/
https://www.levelcertified.org/
About BIFMA
BIFMA is the not-for-profit trade association serving business and institutional furniture manufacturers. Since 1973, the organization has been the industry leader in developing furniture safety, durability, and sustainability standards that insure product performance and inspire confidence. BIFMA educates the stakeholder community on the importance and proper use of these standards; provides industry statistics and forecasts to members and the public; and advocates for regulatory conditions that enhance value and foster innovation.
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 44,000 people in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely. INTERTEK.COM
About Tayco
Since 1976 Tayco has been amodern office furniture manufacturer. Based in Toronto, Tayco supplies North America with high quality workplace furnishings. Tayco’s product offering and services have evolved with the changing demands of the marketplace. We listen to our customers and take enormous pride in integrating their feedback in designs and solutions that work with modern corporate budgets. Tayco’s commitment to innovation and modern office furniture design has yielded a comprehensive portfolio of office systems, desks, storage, tables and seating. Our team is driven by a desire to consistently exceed client expectations. Website: https://www.tayco.com
