Sustainability
Good design is when both visual expression as well as thoughtful function meets the environmental guidelines we work with.
Sustainability at Magnus Olesen
Since 1937 we have designed timeless products that last a lifetime
Since 1937 Magnus Olesen has focused on the products’ high quality and longevity. This remains our core value alongside our mission to create sustainable furniture.
A lot have happened in the sustainable field since Magnus Olesen built the factory more than 80 years ago. In 2015, we took a big step towards sustainability.
“We have achieved a lot, but we still have a long journey ahead of us. It is our ambition to continuously improve our environmental footprint and thus send the most environmentally friendly products on the market”.- Nils Knudsen, CEO at Magnus Olesen A/S
Production in Denmark
Danish craftsmanship since 1937
We believe in Danish craftsmanship and have manufactured in Denmark since 1937. We are proud to be able to maintain our Danish factory and maintain a workplace locally in Denmark, where wood, other raw materials and semi-finished products are transformed into chairs and tables.
We always ensure that our suppliers comply our procurement standards with respect to production, the environment, and employee relations.
All our products are tested in accordance with the strictest environmental and quality standards. All products meet the requirements of Danish Furnituremakers’ Quality Control to normal and severe contract use.
Tests are conducted both in our own testing facilities as well as ”Teknologisk Institut” in Denmark. By doing so, we ensure that all designs produced by Magnus Olesen are of high quality with extensive durability – benefitting both our customers and the environment.
FSC Certificate
Magnus Olesen’s production is based on sustainable wood
Since 2016 Magnus Olesen A / S has been FSC-certified (FSC®C131817)
In an FSC forest, no more wood is used than the forest can reproduce. At the same time, FSC is a guarantee that animal and plant life is protected and that people working in the forest are guaranteed education, safety equipment and proper pay.
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC) is an international non-profit labeling scheme for sustainable wood.
EU Ecolabel certificate
A number of our products are EU ecolabel certified
Since August 2021, when we got our first product EU ecolabel certified, we have been working towards adding more and more to the list. It is part of our ambition to contribute to a limited environmental impact from our production and waste management.
EU Ecolabel Furniture products meet criteria that guarantee:
- Wood, cork, bamboo and rattan from sustainably managed forests
- Low formaldehyde emission product
- Restricted hazardous substances
Read more and see our EU Ecolabel certified products.
See our EU Ecolabel certificate.
Circular economy
Our products lifecycle must be as long as possible
The lifecycle of our products must be as long as possible – that is why we work with two circular projects:
– Design for Disassembly
– Take Back Agreement
Circular economy means that our products must be easy to upgrade and reuse. Because when the life of a product is extended, we limit the environmental impact from new production and waste management.
DESIGN FOR DISASSEMBLY
Components can be replaced to extend products’ lifecycle
New products must be developed under the aspect ‘Design for Disassembly’. Today, most of Magnus Olesen’s products can be taken apart and components can be replaced to extend the lifecycle of a product.
”Design for Disassembly” allows for extended product life which improves the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) – reducing the environmental impact as well as providing an economic benefit.
Take back agreement
We strive to reuse and upgrade our products
With the TAKE BACK agreement, we work with our customers to fulfill our common circular ambitions.
The goal of a TAKE BACK agreement is to reduce material consumption through upgrading, recycling and “no waste”. We do this by replacing the worn out components with, for example, new upholstery or an updated design.
Cases
Seating areas at Copenhagen Airport was upgraded after 20 years of use
In 2015, we collaborated with Copenhagen Airport.
Seating areas installed at Copenhagen Airport by Magnus Olesen in 1995 where refurbished at our factory and reinstalled – providing extended lifetime to the furniture. The worn out components were replaced and at the same time the seating areas were giving an updated design.
Responsible use of materials
Honeycomb – Tables made with minimal use of materials
A table with a Honeycomb core creates a light weight and durable design that provides our tables with strength and durability. Honeycomb is functionality and design at its best – no space or material goes to waste.
Honeycomb is used in our Mix and Slender table series
Light weight material: With a Honeycomb tabletop, minimal material consumption ensures a light, elegant but also robust table.
Easy to handle: With a core of Honeycomb, the table gains strength and stability as well as an elegant lightness in the construction that makes it easy to handle.