Another new eco-kitchen from Marbodal

An eco-friendly kitchen entails much more than recycling rubbish or using organic ingredients. For Marbodal, which has been testing its products according to the Swan eco-labelling system since 1996, it's all about adhesives, wood and solvents. With the new addition of Vollo, Marbodal now has 24 Swan-labelled kitchen series. The eco-labelling process takes into account the entire production process: the use of chemicals, emissions and energy consumption. Furthermore, there are stringent requirements placed on function and quality.

The path less chosen

Marbodal found itself at a crossroads 15 years ago. Solvent emissions were under scrutiny by the authorities and one could either invest in a purification system for emissions or in a production process aimed at minimising environmental impact.

"We chose the latter option and started working to develop solvent-free laquers, while managing to create an interest from paint manufacturers," relates Björn Block, Marbodal's design manager, who oversees how the production process can constantly reach new environmental goals. "Aside from the fact that the finished products are more durable and less light-sensitive, the Swan label also stipulates that the working environment at Marbodal is ecologically compatible."

Greater demand for eco-friendly

The behaviour of choosing eco-friendly products when possible is becoming more established. This also applies to the building sector. Many construction projects on the market want an ecological profile, and Marbodal's wide range is well-known among architects.

More on the Swan label

The Swan is the official Nordic environmental label. It is financed by government funds and by fees from the licensees.

The requirements placed by Swan on a kitchen means that Marbodal can only use adhesives with a minimum of harmful chemicals, wood that does not come from endangered forests, and fibreboard that is manufactured according to environmental standards. Marbodal uses plastics that are free from dangerous additives and metals without heavy-metal coatings. Paints and laquers contain a minimum of solvents. The label also requires that the kitchens are tested for durability.