Möbelfakta becomes new subsidiary of IVL

During the year, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute became the new majority owner of the independent labelling system Möbelfakta, which was previously owned by Trä- och Möbelföretagen. IVL will operate and develop the system in future to meet the requirements of public procurement and be able to grow internationally.

Möbelfakta is a reference and labelling system aimed at producers, buyers, designers, architects and other actors in the furniture industry. The system is based on three aspects – quality, the environment and social responsibility – and thereby encompasses social, technical, environmental and production ethics requirements. It can also be used as a guide for various types of procurement.

“Möbelfakta has played an important role in guaranteeing the requirements for sustainable furniture during procurement in a cost-effective way. Because it is now under the control of an independent operator such as IVL, the system can grow further and we can continue to develop it on the basis of a scientific approach, at the same time as it is working in practice on the market. Issues relating to climate and circularity will be important components in the future, and IVL’s expertise can be put to good use here,” says Anna Jarnehammar, Head of Business Development and Executive Vice President at IVL.

The system will now be developed to meet the requirements stipulated for eco-labelling systems in public procurement. Another initiative that is being conducted involves harmonising Möbelfakta in an international context, where Norway and Europe in general are important markets for furniture companies.

The labelling system currently covers almost 60 active companies with more than 1,000 products and furniture series. It is principally targeted at furniture used in public environments, although brands that are more focused on private consumers also use Möbelfakta’s labelling for their products.

At IVL, Möbelfakta will collaborate both with the wideranging expertise that exists within the environmental field, as well as with the subsidiaries Basta and EPD International, which focus on chemical issues and climate declarations. The business will be non-profit-making, although it will generate a surplus to ensure the long-term development of the system. A criteria council has also been established that will act as a resource for business intelligence regarding how trends in labelling are developing, as well as conveying relevant and current requirements for the labelling system.