Ecology and sustainability
Despite the fact that it grows so quickly, rattan is threatened by commercial over-exploitation. Unsustainable harvesting methods can take their toll on forests and the rainforest’s ecosystem as a whole. In addition, the use of poisonous chemicals and petrol in the processing of the material has a harmful impact on the soil, air, water and people’s health, which is why we promote responsible treatment of people and nature as well as forward-looking, sustainable and long-term methods.
To what extent are the materials used sustainable?Are chemicals used in cultivation and production?
Because they grow so quickly, rattan palms are categorised as one of the most sustainable materials for use in furniture production. The fast-growing plants can be harvested every five to seven years, so there’s no need to artificially accelerate the rattan palm’s growth process or harvest maturity, allowing the rainforest and ecosystem to regenerate during this period.
We pay special attention to ensuring that all the components we use are as natural as possible. We focus on high-quality workmanship and careful material selection.
This is why our aim is to make children’s beds and accessories exclusively from sustainable natural materials (rattan, wood, organic cotton, coconut fibres) and 100% pollutant-free components without using plastics.
In addition to the many advantages that make versatile rattan such a popular material in furniture making, the natural material is also a sustainable alternative to cutting down precious trees. The rattan palm only thrives in intact rain forests that are home to enough trees to support this climbing plant. This means that rattan cultivation is directly related to the maintenance of the ecosystem, the fauna and the protection of native rain forests, especially in East Asia.
We also use cow skin leather for the leather binding, which is tanned naturally and thus contributes to the product’s superior longevity. We also ensure that our custom-made eco-mattresses made in Germany from certified organic coconut fibres and new wool are as natural as possible.
The Green Product Award offers a platform for manufacturers, design studios and agencies which stand out with the extraordinary design, innovation and sustainability of their products and services and want to present themselves in the German market.
You can read more about the Green Product Award here
Crib LOLA »With its handmade rattan beds for children, the manufacture BERMBACH Handcrafted fulfills the desire of many parents: The need of an individual and sustainable furniture, which can be enjoyed for a very long time.«
Fair Trade - our local partners
In addition to the environment, the global popularity of the rattan plant is also taking its toll on the wages and long-term supply of Indonesia’s native population.
In Indonesia, the rattan palm represents the strongest crop, accounting for 75% of the total cultivation, while the rattan industry employs a significant proportion of the total population and 80% of the rattan handled worldwide is grown in Indonesia.
The massive scale of export has made the country dependent on a high demand, whilst the population now working in this sector benefits minimally from the ‘success’ of rattan export in general. This also has something to do with the high taxes now imposed on rattan export, which is currently more than 400 tonnes annually. As a result, when it comes to selecting our manufacturer, the working conditions have to comply with European standards and workers’ wages need to be appropriate.
