ECOSYSTEM
We are proud to announce that we are in the process of being certified by Positive Luxury with the Butterfly Mark, which is awarded to luxury businesses in recognition of their commitment to creating positive impact on society and the planet. The Butterfly Mark is an independent certification for luxury brands that meet the highest standards of verified innovation and environmental social performance.
Surrounded by the mills, docks, lakes and valleys of Lancashire, we are constantly reminded of how much we owe to nature, and of our place in the industrial history of the nation. Our work offers a tangible connection to the past, living proof of the quality and craftsmanship that once made British manufacturing the envy of the world. We are also aware of our role as a responsible, sustainable business. We open our workshop to the world to prove that traditional manufacturing and respect for the environment can work in perfect harmony.
REGULATED BY THE FSC
All woods used for the manufacture of frames are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Based in Germany, the Forest Stewardship Council is responsible for controlling the sustainable management of forests, through various standards and policies.
MADE BY HAND, NOT BY MACHINE
The very nature of hand-made furniture means it has a much lower impact on carbon emissions compared to your average large industrial counterpart. In addition, 90% of the raw materials required to produce a Fleming & Howland is locally sourced and so there is always minimal wasted energy through transportation.
MICRO TANNERY
A tannery is a place that transforms raw product into a fully processed, finished article. Most leathers attain their colour from chemical dyes, soaked and finished in large drums and ultimately distributed worldwide. At this industrial scale, ancient tanning techniques are pretty much forgotten and modern technology has fully taken over. At this point you should know that although this processed leather is a consistent and expensive material perfect for your sofa, it is not genuine hand‐coloured leather.We prefer to do things the traditional way, using dyes from natural vegetable based resources. The result is a leather that isn’t just incredibly supple, but transmits a distinctive, warm natural fragrance.Best of all, the dyes result in a natural aging process that improves the look of the leather over time and use. Dyes are mixed in the workshop and applied by hand. This creates less demand from the industrial tanneries, less energy and less waste.
The real beauty of making furniture by hand is the ability to customise.
Designing with Fleming & Howland is a journey, with your input invited at every step. It starts here...