Haga strengthens furniture safety with OEKO-TEX certification

Haga, one of Sweden’s leading wholesalers of upholstered furniture, has taken a significant step to strengthen product safety and sustainability by securing OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification for entire furniture products.

Explaining the decision, Karin Staberg, head of sustainability and marketing at Haga, said the company had already worked with OEKO-TEX certified materials for several years but wanted to go further. “At Haga, we have been working with OEKO-TEX certified materials for several years. Now we wanted to take the next step and see if we could certify an entire product. We see this as a seal of quality, showing that the products we produce are designed with consideration for those who will use them.”

She highlighted that several certified armchairs are designed for seniors, who typically spend long periods seated. “Several of our armchairs are senior models, and our customers spend a great deal of time in them. We regard the fact that they are tested according to strict chemical requirements as very positive,” she said.

The certification process also strengthened collaboration with suppliers and improved chemical management across the supply chain. “We also work to support and develop our suppliers, and this project has created many synergies in our collaboration with them. It feels very good that our material requirements may result in those working in production being exposed to significantly fewer chemicals in our products,” Staberg said. She added that suppliers gained valuable expertise during the process, investing in new subcontractors and expanding their chemical knowledge.

Haga worked closely with TESTEX throughout the certification journey. “We have found the collaboration with TESTEX to be close and rewarding, and we received quick responses to our questions,” Staberg said, stressing that strong dialogue and long-term supplier relationships helped the process run smoothly.

From a brand perspective, OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 plays a central role in transparency and traceability. “We want to be a furniture company that is at the forefront of material selection,” she said, adding that third-party verified labels are essential to building consumer trust. “We want there to be no doubt that our certified products are genuine. For us, OEKO-TEX provides that assurance.”

Haga plans to actively communicate the certification to customers and partners through press releases, its website and social channels. “We see a strong need among our customers to help spread knowledge about OEKO-TEX, so that they in turn can inform the end consumer about the benefits of an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified armchair,” Staberg said.

The certification aligns with Haga’s broader sustainability strategy, which also includes working towards FSC certification by the end of the year.

Commenting on the collaboration, Karin Lindmark, market development manager Nordics at TESTEX, said: “TESTEX is proud to have supported Haga-gruppen in achieving the first OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certification for a recliner in the Nordic region. This milestone highlights the growing demand for verified chemical safety beyond apparel, extending OEKO-TEX’s impact into the home and furniture sector.”

ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)