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From Home Furnishing Business
SFC Names 2020 Wood Furniture Scorecard Retailers
October 13,
2020 by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry 
The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) has announced the 2020 Wood Furniture Scorecard. Published annually, the Wood Furniture Scorecard started in 2018 as an assessment of only the largest retailers. For this year’s edition, mid-sized and smaller dealers are included.
The 2020 list recognizes 14 companies for the Top Score designation, 12 in the High Score category, and four receiving an Honorable Mention.
Those earning Top Score with at least 18 out of the total 31 points include mebl Furniture, Simply, Cisco Home, Williams-Sonoma Group, Crate and Barrel, re.dwell, and Vermont Woods Studio. Mass retailers Target and IKEA North America are among the larger companies named to the 2020 list.
To mark the announcement, a panel discussion with representatives from several of the Top Score awarded companies will be moderated by SFC Ambassador Laura Hodges in an online webinar, Oct. 15, 12 - 1pm ET.
Qualifying retailers are selected by the SFC and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) for assessment.
Criteria for earning Top Score recognition include having a robust wood sourcing policy available in the public domain, demonstrating policy implementation, and effectively promoting the preservation of forest ecosystems.
In 2020, SFC and NWF placed greatest emphasis on recognizing improvements.
“In many cases, participants only adopted a policy when the program was initiated in 2018,” says Susan Inglis, SFC executive director. “Establishing the policy is an important first step, but implementing it well is what will make the difference in forest preservation.”
“This initiative helps to draw attention to the global need for healthy forests,” she adds. “The forest is a resource for materials needed to make furniture, but it also serves to stabilize climate, keep our water sources clean, and reduce species extinction.”
The Wood Furniture Scorecard assesses retailers regardless of their SFC membership status.
Top scoring companies are awarded a badge to use for marketing purposes, signaling to consumers and industry professionals their commitment to sustainable wood practices.
Thursday’s online webinar is part of the SFC’s October High Point Market event series. Registration is required to participate.