Green Furniture

HJ Berry, believed to be Britain’s oldest chairmaker, has been declared carbon neutral by the Carbon Trust – without the need to offset its CO2 emissions. Most UK businesses have to invest in carbon-reducing projects that are often located overseas, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency activities, or reforestation, to achieve the status. But HJ Berry’s manufacturing processes, including powering the factory’s drying kilns and heating system with offcuts from wood used to make furniture – along with its extensive tree planting activities - have secured the ultimate green status whilst supporting the environment on its doorstep. The company first started to invest in a sustainable approach some 20 years ago – long before it became part of today’s corporate social responsibility. Under the guidance of Andrew Berry, the fifth generation member of the Berry family in the business, work started in 1994 to plant 17 species of native British trees on 20 acres around the manufacturing site – located in the picturesque village of Chipping in the Forest of Bowland. Today, Andrew continues to develop the company’s sustainable activities, working closely with the company’s recently-appointed managing director John Woodruffe, to blend a sustainable approach with good business practice. Andrew said: “Britain has lost the culture of working the woods and we hope to bring that back to life. The benefits are significant, not just to the environment, but the economy and social fabric of Britain in general.” All HJ Berry’s furniture is made using timber from carefully selected renewable sources – with the vast majority from Britain and only a small amount from trusted, sustainable forests in Europe. Tropical timber is never used. All trees that are used are from forests that are grown in perpetuity. New trees are continually grown in their place – a cycle that provides the best habitat for wildlife. Then, for every piece of furniture made, HJ Berry plants a tree in the British countryside, to sustain the broadleaf woodlands of oak, birch and ash, either in their own woodland, or through the donation of trees to groups such as woodland trusts. As well as a pro-active approach to the environment, HJ Berry helps to support the social needs of the area, including the provision of low rent housing for fifteen families - all current or retired employees - located in the village of Chipping. HJ Berry managing director John Woodruffe, said: “It is rewarding that a business can do well in the modern world and stand out from the crowd because of its commitment to the planet and its people. “We want to continue to build on our pioneering approach to sustainability and develop the latest in innovative manufacturing techniques - and enjoy doing business on these terms.” For the future, plans centre on an old mill within the factory site, which contains a water wheel developed by the pioneer of the industrial revolution Sir Richard Arkwright. HJ Berry wants to redevelop the building, reinstall the wheel – which powered the factory up to the 1940s – to its former glory, and create a visitor centre and work space as an ‘incubator’ for people who share HJ Berry’s sustainable vision.