The large mass of MDF required for the mould makes a significant contribution across all environmental impact categories. As this is a one-off, the full impact of the MDF mould is allocated to the recliner. However, if the recliner were produced commercially, the MDF moulds would be reused and this impact would be allocated among multiple products.

There was very little manufacturing waste associated with this product. The credits received from disposal at end of life are therefore greater than those received from disposal of manufacturing waste.

While it’s reassuring that the environmental burden can be offset by burning the product at end of life, as a durable and timeless piece of furniture, the recliner should last a life time. This minimises the impacts associated with replacement and means that the carbon stored in the product supplements the accumulating carbon store in the U.S. forest.