What’s lies beneath our Clouet Ottoman?
Clouet Ottoman shown here in walnut with COM.
Ever wonder what goes into the mattress you lie your head on every night? We did too. Our bodies come into contact with upholstery countless times throughout the day- sitting all day on our desk chair at work, dozing off after work on your couch, waiting for a doctor's appointment on that uncomfortable chair- all of these items are upholstered. Have you ever wondered what your body is coming into close contact with all day everyday?
Last year on a mission to overhaul our impact on the environment, we did a deep dive into what upholstery foam is actually made out of. We learned it’s made from petrochemicals that are often created right here in Louisiana. New Orleans is just a quick drive away from a corridor on the Mississippi, harrowingly nicknamed “Cancer Alley.” Cancer Alley is home to plants that process about 25% of the country’s petrochemical products. These plants make chemicals for everything from processed foods to scuba suits. Some of them produce chemicals that get extruded into upholstery foam.
While these companies claim that these chemicals are safe for our everyday use, Cancer Alley gets its dark name from the fact that people who live in this area have one of the highest risks of cancer from industrial air plants in the country, about seven times higher than the national average.
At Doorman, we want to champion materials that are as clean as possible and we try to divest from systems that are actively hurting the environment and our fellow Louisianans. Moreover, we want to make sustainable furniture that does not have a negative impact on your home and family. This mission is part of what lead to our certification as a B Corporation.
In this effort, we have found low VOC furniture alternatives to this nasty indoor foam. We found a company called Talalay which produces FSC certified 100% natural latex foam. This foam is created by harvesting latex from rubber trees- it is hand poured into large molds. These molds get aerated and frozen to produce comfortable, squishy foam.
We pair this with an 100% wool batting. Wool is a naturally moisture wicking material, it can be felted to hold a strong, fluffy shape, and is comfortable and long lasting. Most importantly it is an extremely sustainable material. It is regenerative- it grows on sheep every season and needs to be sheared for the sheep’s health.
We couldn’t let any old fabric cover these beautiful two upholstery layers so we found a perfect stock fabric from Camira. Quest is engineered from post consumer recycled plastic that has been harvested from ocean waste. Of course, if you want to upholster our pieces in any other fabric, we can accommodate at no extra cost. We know what reduces waste the most in being in love with something when you buy it the first time.
Today, we are proud to say all of our indoor furniture is upholstered with this upholstery. Our Clouet Storage Ottoman showcased here, Crescent Barstools, and Julia Headboard. Our goal is always to provide our customers with safe, non- toxic furniture that is comfortable, stylish, and that makes your home feel like home.
Our Clouet Ottoman in walnut and cypress made with sustainable upholstery.
Visit the following sites to learn more about Cancer Alley: