Porter Designs Goes for the Guts on Sustainability at High Point
HIGH POINT — Porter Designs launched 10 new upholstery collections at the recent High Point Market — The Good Earth, Furniture with a Conscience — as part of its initiative to raise the bar on the company’s sustainable offerings.
The Oregon-based furniture importer has been working on sustainable sourcing for its case goods and wanted to apply the same approach to its upholstered seating as well.
In addition, Porter Designs wanted to go the extra step and make its sustainable sofas affordable at the mid-price level. The collection includes 10 new groups in styles from transitional to contemporary and are covered in an array of neutral cream and gray performance fabrics with coordinating accent pillows.
According to Jeff Schwall, national sales manager, the company was careful to fashion the collection with a timeless modern design, so that the sustainable seating collection wouldn’t go in and out of style. Schwall added that Porter Designs is working with a manufacturer in Mexico who is equally committed to the company’s sustainability effort.
“Our Good Earth Collection is made in Mexico from resources that minimize waste and ultimately leads to a healthier ecosystem,” stated Julie Grant, Porter Designs creative director and owner. “In the past to support our solid wood collections, we partnered with the Earthworm Foundation initiative to help reduce carbon emissions and decrease global warming by planting 10,000 trees in Haryana, India. Now we are excited to offer a sustainable feature to our upholstery.”
In the Porter Designs showroom, the company featured a graphic displaying how the “guts” of the sofa are constructed from sustainable or recycled materials. The company uses recycled fiberboard and foam and performance fabric made from repurposed plastic bottles. Porter Designs packages its upholstery in recycled materials for shipping.
“This initiative will not only help our planet, but also will help our customers feel better about their healthy furnishing purchases,” said Grant.
The company plans to work on increasing the percentage of sustainable upholstery in its overall product portfolio.
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