Sustainibility
ECO-FRIENDLY MATERIALS
The Foundation of Responsible Craftsmanship
Our dedication to sustainability begins with the thoughtful selection of raw materials. We are committed to using wood sourced from certified sustainable forests, where reforestation and responsible logging practices are the norm. This ensures that our supply chain supports forest regeneration and minimizes harm to ecosystems. Woods like Indian CP Teak, Steam Beech, and White Ash are not only beautiful and durable but are also chosen for their ability to stand the test of time, reducing the need for replacements and contributing to less waste over the long term.
Beyond wood, we are constantly exploring innovative and sustainable materials. From reclaimed and upcycled wood to natural fibers and sustainable textiles, we ensure that the materials we use are not only high-quality but also environmentally responsible. Each material we incorporate reflects our belief that sustainable furniture can be luxurious, durable, and eco-conscious.
Sustainable Finishes and Processes
In our quest to create environmentally friendly furniture, we’ve made a conscious choice to avoid harmful chemicals that could compromise the health of our customers and the planet. Our products are finished with VOC-free (Volatile Organic Compounds-free) water-based finishes, ensuring that indoor air quality remains safe and free from toxic fumes often found in conventional finishes. By opting for these eco-friendly alternatives, we prioritize the well-being of our customers without sacrificing the elegance and durability of our products.
Our upholstery fabrics are sourced from suppliers who prioritize sustainable production processes. Whether it’s organic cotton, handwoven Indian textiles, or eco-friendly leather alternatives, we carefully select materials that align with our environmental values, ensuring that every upholstered piece not only looks stunning but also supports sustainable practices.
Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction
Sustainability extends beyond the materials we use; it’s embedded in the way we manufacture our furniture. Our 200,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility is designed to operate with energy-efficient systems and resource-conscious practices. We have implemented a robust waste reduction strategy, which includes recycling wood scraps, repurposing by-products, and minimizing energy consumption throughout the production process.
At Alankaram, we continuously strive to reduce our carbon footprint. We use solar energy to power parts of our facility, ensuring that a portion of our energy needs are met by clean, renewable sources. We also carefully monitor our production processes to minimize emissions and reduce water waste, adhering to strict environmental guidelines that reflect our long-term commitment to sustainability.
LONGEVITY AND DURABILITY
Reducing the Need for Replacements
Sustainable design goes hand-in-hand with durability. By crafting furniture that is built to last, we reduce the frequency of replacements and thus minimize the waste associated with fast furniture production. Every Alankaram piece is designed with longevity in mind, ensuring that it can be passed down through generations. From meticulous joinery techniques like mortise and tenon to finishes that protect and preserve, our furniture withstands the test of time both in style and structural integrity.
Sustainability in Packaging and Logistics
We extend our sustainable approach to how we package and ship our furniture. We use minimal and recyclable packaging materials, reducing waste while ensuring the safe delivery of our products. Our logistics practices are designed to optimize shipping routes and reduce emissions, ensuring that our furniture reaches customers with the smallest possible carbon footprint.
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
At Alankaram, we believe sustainability is an ongoing journey. We are constantly seeking new ways to improve our environmental practices, whether through innovation in materials, more energy-efficient production techniques, or expanding our use of renewable resources. Our commitment to sustainability is not a static goal—it’s a continuous effort to push boundaries and set higher standards for ourselves and the industry.
A Greener Future with Alankaram
When you choose Alankaram, you’re not only investing in high-quality, beautifully crafted furniture—you’re supporting a brand that values the environment and actively works to protect it. Every piece of furniture is a reflection of our dedication to sustainability, responsible design, and creating a positive impact on the planet for generations to come.
VOC-FREE COMMITMENT
A Holistic Approach to Health and Sustainability
At Alankaram, sustainability and health are core values that influence every aspect of our furniture-making process. Our commitment to creating safe, eco-friendly furniture goes beyond using VOC-free finishes—it extends to every material we choose and the environment in which we craft.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), commonly found not only in paints, finishes, and adhesives but also in plywood and foam, can release harmful chemicals into the air, causing indoor air pollution and health risks. That's why we are making continuous efforts to eliminate VOCs from all components of our furniture, ensuring that our products are as safe as they are beautiful.
More Than Just Finishes
While many furniture manufacturers focus solely on reducing VOCs in finishes, we take a holistic approach by targeting all materials that may contribute to indoor air pollution. This includes:
VOC-Free Finishes
As part of our commitment to safe indoor air quality, we use only VOC-free, water-based finishes. These finishes are not only environmentally friendly but also enhance the beauty and longevity of our furniture without compromising safety.
Low-VOC Plywood
Plywood often contains formaldehyde-based adhesives, which can release VOCs over time. At Alankaram, we source low-VOC and formaldehyde-free plywood, significantly reducing the release of harmful chemicals. This helps to ensure that our furniture remains safe for your home, especially in spaces like bedrooms and nurseries where air quality is of the utmost importance.
Eco-Friendly Foam
Foam is another common culprit of VOC emissions in furniture. We are actively working to eliminate VOCs from the foam used in cushions and upholstery by opting for certified low-VOC foam or sustainable alternatives. This ensures that every upholstered piece we produce contributes to better indoor air quality while providing maximum comfort.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
A Safer Choice for Your Home
The harmful effects of VOCs on human health are well-documented, with prolonged exposure potentially leading to headaches, dizziness, respiratory issues, and more severe health concerns. For households with children, pets, or individuals with allergies or asthma, minimizing VOCs is especially important. By using VOC-free and low-VOC materials across all our products, we ensure that our furniture is safe for indoor use, reducing the risks associated with harmful chemical exposure.
In addition to the health benefits, eliminating VOCs from our manufacturing process also reduces the overall environmental impact of our products. Our water-based finishes and biodegradable materials not only lower carbon emissions during production but also help conserve natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable furniture industry. These efforts align with our long-term goal of reducing our ecological footprint while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Durable and Beautiful Finishes
Quality Without Compromise
Even though we’ve removed harmful chemicals, the quality of our finishes remains uncompromised. Our VOC-free finishes are designed to protect the natural beauty of the wood, offering a variety of textures and sheens—from rich glosses to subtle matte finishes. These finishes are long-lasting, moisture-resistant, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of each piece, ensuring that your furniture remains as elegant as the day it was crafted.
Our low-VOC plywood and eco-friendly foam are also carefully selected for their durability and performance. Each material is tested to meet our high standards for quality and comfort, ensuring that every Alankaram piece delivers both luxury and longevity.
In addition to the health benefits, eliminating VOCs from our manufacturing process also reduces the overall environmental impact of our products. Our water-based finishes and biodegradable materials not only lower carbon emissions during production but also help conserve natural resources, contributing to a more sustainable furniture industry. These efforts align with our long-term goal of reducing our ecological footprint while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Improving the Work Environment
A Sustainable Ecosystem
At Alankaram, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products we create—it includes the environment in which they are crafted. We recognize that a healthy work environment is critical for both the well-being of our artisans and the quality of our products. That’s why we have implemented natural ventilation systems throughout our 200,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. This not only provides a more comfortable and healthier workspace but also reduces the need for energy-intensive air conditioning, contributing to our energy-saving efforts.
In addition to natural ventilation, we employ energy-efficient systems that reduce electricity consumption throughout the factory. Solar panels power parts of our facility, and we carefully manage resource use to minimize waste, whether it’s through water recycling or reducing energy consumption during production.
Our artisans also benefit from ergonomic workstations and practices that prioritize their health and safety, ensuring that the environment where they work is as sustainable and safe as the furniture they create.
Sustainability at Every Stage
From Manufacturing to Packaging
Sustainability doesn’t stop at production. We’ve also taken measures to reduce our environmental footprint during the packaging and shipping process. We use minimal, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging materials, ensuring that even the way our products reach you is eco-conscious. Our logistics are optimized to reduce emissions, with careful planning to minimize transport distances and energy consumption.
