Exploring the foundational role that certified and reclaimed wood sourcing plays in reducing deforestation risk.
We see it in the heartbeat of the Amazon Rainforest, forest health is foundational.
With many parts of the Amazon Rainforest being designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites and as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks – storing up to 150 billion metric tons of carbon in its vegetation and soil – it’s clear that forests like these are essential to the earth’s balance. Interestingly, the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) began 20 years ago when artisan furniture makers in Peru were led to start thinking about how they were sourcing wood in and around the Amazon Rainforest for the U.S. and other markets.
Forests are inextricably linked to human health. They provide natural resources that help enhance people’s health and livelihoods. They also filter air, regulate water cycles, and help mitigate the hazardous effects of climate change through carbon sequestration.
Industries like fashion, home furnishings, and all consumer goods have a role to play in preserving the health of these forests, often called “the lungs of the Earth.”
And with that, designers, procurers, and buyers have a responsibility to ensure their materials are justly sourced. Responsible wood sourcing is foundational to climate action and biodiversity protection. Consistent use of certified and reclaimed wood remains one of the most effective strategies to reduce deforestation risk, protect biodiversity, and improve sustainability performance.
Starting this year, the Wood Furniture Scorecard comes under Cascale’s wing, supporting the organization’s two pillars of combatting climate change and supporting decent work for all. Cascale, with support from the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), offers the scorecard as a foundation for adopting and implementing responsible wood sourcing policies to prevent deforestation. As with previous years, this collaborative report utilizes publicly-available information and direct brand engagement. Although administered by Cascale, it is distinct from Cascale and does not reflect a brand’s membership commitments.
As this scorecard continues to reveal, responsible wood sourcing is not only an ongoing commitment but a strong indicator of industry stewardship. We are excited about the direction the scorecard is taking, the growing visibility around it, and the contributions thus made. In ways small and large, certified and reclaimed wood can be known as not just a necessary sourcing consideration but a foundational pillar of a more responsible and sustainable home furnishings industry.
Cascale Blog, published June 17, 2026
