This article is part of our "Sustainable Suppliers" series, a collection of ongoing conversations with our Shop Sustainably™ supplier partners who are doing their part to create a more sustainable future for our planet.
This Earth Day, we are looking back at Chicago-based Skyline Furniture’s journey to success and sustainability – and it isn't anything short of impressive. Skyline Furniture specializes in creating fashion-forward, made-to-order upholstered furniture that’s designed to suit every home. Throughout a 75 year journey, Skyline Furniture has upheld a legacy defined by their unwavering commitment to innovation, timeless design, impeccable craftsmanship and, most recently, a commitment to sustainability.
Started in 1946 by Norman Wecker with just a small factory in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Skyline has kept a finger on the pulse for what is important to customers. In 2016, digital printing gained traction in the fashion world, and Skyline saw the opportunity to invest in the country’s first furniture-grade digital printer. Not only were they able to digitize their design processes, but they could bring a collection to market within weeks and produce custom furniture to be shipped directly to customers in no time. Now, Skyline looks to pivot even further into their commitment to our planet.
With the success of their product, Skyline shifted their focus to a commitment to sustainability - extending throughout every aspect of their business. This manifests in three facets: a greener supply chain, reducing waste and providing a product that leads to a healthier home.
Skyline prioritizes making sustainable products with third-party certified materials, such as FSC certified wood and CertiPUR-US foam, so customers can easily identify a product’s sustainable features, using trusted information. Chairs, bed frames, desks and more consist of wood harvested from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®). Beds, couches and chairs use CertiPUR-US foam, which is made without harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, heavy metals and emits low VOC emissions for better indoor air quality. Skyline also has products that are GREENGUARD Certified for their low indoor chemical emissions, protecting families, children, pets and homes from harmful chemicals. In addition to fostering a greener supply chain and keeping their customers’ homes safe, Skyline is constantly assessing their packaging and striving to reduce waste both locally in Thorton, IL and internationally – this began with the switch to recycled materials.
“Customers have the purchasing power to make a positive influence on their own ecosystem and the ecosystem we all share,” says Meganne Wecker, President and Chief Creative Office of Skyline Furniture. “Being sustainable and certified is crucial for us because it ensures that we are reducing waste, conserving natural resources, and combating climate change to be part of the solution to global environmental challenges.”
Skyline has grown to become the first company to digitally print textiles in-house, all while revolutionizing every step of the process to be certified sustainable. Shop Skyline’s innovative and sustainable options for home and learn more about Wayfair’s commitment to taking an active stand to protect our environment.