One of the driving forces behind the work we do here at Urban Natural is the promotion of more sustainable furniture manufacturing through valuable partnerships with exceptional brands who prioritize it too. We love championing the efforts and achievements of our workshop partners, and when it comes to sustainable practices and small business support, Rowe is a leader to recognize. With the launching of their EcoRowe Initiative, and their founding membership in the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Rowe goes above and beyond for the environment, as well as for the high quality furniture they craft for their customers. Based in Virginia, and one of the world’s most reputable custom upholstery manufacturers for over 75 years, Rowe is guided by a vision of eco-conscious design, attentive care, and inspiring handcraftsmanship.

Introducing EcoRowe

Bernie Swivel (Left), Florence Sofa (Center Back), Leander Slipcovered Swivel Chair (Right)

Rowe’s dedication to implementing and improving sustainable processes in their work has been integral to their business for several years now. In fact, they started their EcoRowe Initiative to ensure that commitment would always have a front seat in their journey. EcoRowe prioritizes eco-friendly manufacturing and materials in order to focus on reducing the company’s overall environmental impact, and it sets an admirable example for the furniture industry about how such changes can be beneficial for everyone. From the start, Rowe believed that what’s inspiring and good for their own family should also extend to their family of employees and customers, so they decided to utilize more plant-based and recycled materials, sustainably-harvested wood, and eco-friendly cushion cores. Like us, they’re also selective about the partners they choose to work with, and give precedence to products like Breath Fabrics from Milliken, which feature all-natural and recycled fibers that also happen to be incredibly soft, durable, and elegant.

Made With Love, Built To Last

Pfifer Chair (Left), Kara Swivel Chair (Right)

We love Rowe for the care and detail their team puts into each aspect of every piece they produce. Their frames are made from kiln-dried, solid hardwood that’s been domestically-harvested from forests that adhere to Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards, the hardware springs are made of recycled iron ore, and even their nails are uncoated, and use a water-based lubricant to reduce the amount of chemicals present. Rowe’s eco-cushion core opts for plant-based and other renewable materials instead of the petroleum-based ones used in many standard cushions, and any cotton ticking used to encase feathers or down is no longer bleached. Their foam is PBDE free, with no flame retardants, and their arm cardboard is made up of 100% recycled cardboard too. Whatever custom design choices you might consider with these finely-crafted pieces, you can rest assured that they’ll include eco-friendly wood and cushions, with the option to have one of their eco-friendly fabrics as well! How’s that for sustainably-forward purchasing?

Going Big For Small Businesses

Allie Swivel Chair (Left), Moreau Sofa (Center)

There are many reasons to support small businesses, particularly in the last few years. Studies show that small businesses help to stimulate local economies, provide jobs, and are more likely to get involved in their local communities. Buying from small businesses can also reduce the carbon footprint of manufacturing and shipping your goods to you, since the chain of supply is often much shorter and more direct. As a company, Rowe has been an outspoken supporter of small businesses, which they believe to be “the heartbeat of America,” and this sentiment not only extends to their retailers, but also to the way they speak about their own team of individual artisans and workers– like family. Why not follow their lead, and learn more about some great ways to support the small businesses
in your town?

It’s not every day that a company comes along who is as focused on improving their sustainability efforts as Rowe is, but it’s perhaps even more rare to find such efforts forging ahead in an industry like ours. Making and purchasing furniture have not always gone hand-in-hand with environmental or socially-conscious practices, but we’re proud to see manufacturers like Rowe leading the charge to change that. By offering their customers ample opportunities to choose eco-friendly products that are better for the Earth and their homes, Rowe makes the possibilities for a greener, more beautiful world that much more comfortable too.  

Learn more about Rowe, and our many other inspiring and innovative workshop partners by experiencing their collections.