Environment
Science-based climate targets
Reducing climate impact is Nobia's most important environmental aspect and a key part of our sustainability agenda. Nobia has adopted science-based climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement, which are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our climate targets comprise both our own operations and our value chain.
Scope 1 and 2 Target: We will reduce GHG emissions from operations and own transportation (Scopes 1 and 2) by 72% by 2026 (base year 2016). Thanks to continued reductions of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions, current target for own operations are already surpassed by a good margin.
Scope 3 Target: 70% of the impact from the suppliers with the highest climate impact are to be encompassed by science-based climate targets by 2025. It is currently difficult for our wood product suppliers to plan for science-based climate targets due to the ongoing revision of the standard and wood fibre guidelines. Our next targets are under development.
Biodiversity and circular material flows
Certified wood Our most important raw material is wood, and it is critically important to us that the wood we use comes from sustainable sources. We have a target that at least 99% (based on volume) of purchased wood shall come from FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) FSC® -C100100 or PEFC™ (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™) certified sources, and the remainder from suppliers screened and approved for sustainability, by 2025. Most of the wood that we purchase has third-party certification from FSC® or PEFC™ .
Toxic-free environment We strive towards cleaner flows of materials and aim to ensure that our products do not contain substances listed on the EU chemicals legislation REACH’s Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Emissions of formaldehyde occur naturally at low levels from wood and are also linked to binders, for example in wood-based panels, but for us it is mainly paints and varnishes that affect formaldehyde emissions when using the products. Nobia uses only board materials that are well within the limits according to industry recommendations (E1), and today we offer products with lower amounts of formaldehyde (such as half E1) in several markets. By transitioning towards water-based paint, we also prepare for the stricter EU legislation on formaldehyde emissions, corresponding to emission class half E1, that will apply from August 2026.
Extended product life Through our circular concept such as RE:NEW we offer customers solutions to update their existing kitchens and give them new life, for example with new doors and handles. Replacing cabinet doors rather than the entire cabinet framework saves both energy and materials, and customers have shown widespread interest. Other offers include RE:USE concept, where our Swedish brand Marbodal collaborate with Blocket, a website for selling second-hand products; and Rehome, an initiative in our UK market, where customers buying a new Magnet kitchen, are offered a free valuation of their old kitchen and the option of selling it via our partnership with the UK company Rehome.
Ecolabelling and product certification
Products that are eco-labelled, i.e. verified and approved based on the strict requirements set by credible third parties, are valuable in helping our customers make good choices for the environment and for us to ensure continuous improvements and compliance with the precautionary approach.
Nordic Swan We launched our first Nordic Swan eco-labelled products back in 1996 through our Marbodal brand and we are continuously refining our eco-labelled range, with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria implemented in the design and product development phase. This eco-label means that we can ensure a healthy indoor environment, environmentally sustainable choices of materials, including responsible wood procurement, and resource-efficient production. Nordic Swan-labelled products are evaluated and analysed from a lifecycle perspective, in relation to content, process method, quality, sustainability and how the product is taken care of when it is consumed. The Nordic Swan has high demands, requires documentation and extensive tests from independent laboratories in order to ensure that all requirements are fulfilled.
FSC® certification. For our market in the UK, where the Nordic Swan cannot be applied since it is an eco-label for the Nordic region, we are continuing to combine our own certified environmental management systems with having FSC® certified products. All cabinets and frontals that are marketed in the UK are having the FSC® certification.
Product information
We have published three environmental product declarations for our average Nordic production of our main standard products, which serve as a basis for our clients for comparison and own calculations. Further, we are working on a new method and tool to efficiently produce life cycle assessment data for the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. A pilot project has provided valuable information on the value chains of our various products and the impact of constituent materials on the environmental footprint, and is part of our preparation to meet future regulatory requirements and demand for more detailed product information.
