modern households and commercial spaces are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint, not just through investment in renewable energy but sustainable room design. Many take great pride in securing eco-friendly furnishings and functional accents. Research shows that more than three-quarters of the population are willing to pay more to do so. This is important for thoughtful designers and creators who are dedicated to careful innovation. However, the shift in consumer behaviour has also produced the unfortunate effect of bringing copyists out of the woodwork.
for several years now, molo has been dealing with a wave of look-alike furnishings (produced quick and dirty) by bad actors who openly steal our patented designs and intellectual property. What these groups show no regard for are the decades of careful work it takes to create products that inherently feature the values of sustainable design: longevity, strength, non-toxic coatings, recyclability, responsible production and reporting.
a special component of our design approach is the functions of compression and expansion. Our products compress to the thickness of a book and expand one hundred times their compressed size, making them easy to use, rearrange, port, and store. We think these values are what sustainable room design is all about. The natural next step for us was to seek FSC® Certification.
our FSC® Certification Process
about the Forestry Stewardship Council®
the Forestry Stewardship Council® is globally recognized as the foremost solution for sustainable forest management. This governing body upholds rigorous standards for responsible forestry. They have initiated a stringent chain of custody certification and provided a proven nature-based approach to address current challenges to the climate and requirements for biodiversity. Environmental groups, NGOs, commercial interests, and consumers alike place their trust in FSC®.
getting certified
having products certified by FSC® is a time-intensive investment for our business. Here’s what the process looks like:
audit preparation: We reviewed our operations and documentation to ensure conformity with FSC® requirements, including our supply chain, record-keeping, and compliance with FSC®’s environmental and social standards.
initial assessment: an FSC®-accredited auditor conducts an initial assessment of our company. They review our procedures, supply chain, and records to gauge our compliance with FSC® standards. They also examine our policies on labour practices, environmental impact, and traceability.
on-site audit: The auditor then visits our studio + workshop to inspect our operations in person. They verify that our products are sourced from FSC®-certified suppliers, check our documentation for accuracy, and observe our manufacturing processes. All FSC® stock must be stored and handled separately from other materials. All team members who manage FSC® materials are independently interviewed, and proof of workplace health and safety must be provided. This visit helps them see how well we implement FSC® standards on the ground.
documentation review: The auditor examines our records on the procurement, production, and distribution of FSC®-certified products. Every piece of paperwork, from our first purchase order to our client shipping documents, is assessed.
compliance check: We demonstrate that we meet FSC®’s environmental and social criteria. This means proving that we avoid practices like child labour or unfair treatment and that we manage our resources in an environmentally friendly way.
audit report: This report highlights areas where we meet FSC® standards and notes any areas for improvement. We receive feedback and have a chance to address any issues.
certification decision: Based on the audit report, FSC® decides whether to grant or renew our certification. If we’re compliant, we get the FSC® certification, which we can use to show our commitment to responsible practices.
ongoing monitoring: to maintain our certification, our team must pass FSC® annual audits to ensure we continue to meet their standards.
from forest to final production: every supplier and manufacturer must undergo the same process to maintain certification.
all molo products in blue and brown paper are FSC®-certified and we are currently sourcing an FSC® option for black paper.
a sustainable room design over decades
while FSC® Certification is one of molo’s more recent achievements, sustainability has been a guiding principle of the soft collection over multiple decades (read creating softwall). For designers Stephanie Forsythe and Todd MacAllen, the soft concept is a study of how lightweight materials could be used to rapidly transform a space for diverse use over time, throughout the day or over its lifespan.
key product features:
efficient use of material: the soft collection consists mainly of air, allowing a small amount of material to go a long way.
strength: the honeycomb structure provides sturdiness, and the materials are extremely difficult to tear.
recyclable: both the paper and polyethylene non-woven textile used for the soft collection are recyclable. Packaging for the molo soft collection is reusable and recyclable paper and cardboard made with 80 – 100% recycled pulp.
responsible materials: products feature non-toxic fire retardants, adhesives and inks.
the FSC® audit process helps us ensure that we’re not just talking the talk but walking the walk when it comes to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices. FSC® is much more than just a label—it's a critical tool for driving real and meaningful change in how we manage our natural resources and conduct business. The FSC® label is a mark of authenticity for our studio. The process is rigorous, and it builds trust by providing a clear and verifiable path from forest to final product.
view our FSC® certification here and explore molo’s FSC® Certified (FSC® C158591) products via the links below:
brown paper softwall
blue paper softwall
brown paper softblock
cantilever table with folding paper base
softseating · brown paper
softseating · blue paper
