Hans K Sustainability

Hans K is proud of our way of working with very few partner factories, sustainable material and trying to affect the world as little as possible.

Introduction

Hans K is a Swedish family-owned furniture company with a deep-rooted tradition in Scandinavian craftsmanship, now led by the fourth generation of furniture makers. Founded on the principles of simplicity, functionality, and natural materials, Hans K designs and develops timeless furniture that reflects the essence of Scandinavian living.

Originally a wholesaler, the company shifted its focus in the 2010s toward becoming a full-fledged design house, developing its own product range. This transformation was influenced by growing environmental awareness and a desire to create furniture that is not only beautiful and functional, but also sustainable and ethically produced.

At Hans K, we believe in honest design and thoughtful material choices — often comparing our craft to that of an Italian pizza baker using only essential ingredients. In our case: solid oak, natural furniture oil, and carefully selected metal components. Each piece is designed with care, emphasizing quality, comfort, and long-lasting appeal.

Our products include dining tables, chairs, sideboards, and accessories that can be mixed and matched across collections to create personalized, cohesive living spaces. With flexible choices in textiles, leather, and finishes, our furniture is made to help suit a variety of lifestyles while preserving its Scandinavian identity.

Our design collaborations with Markus Johansson, Sami Kallio, and Jannis Ellenberger bring together different perspectives and expertise, strengthening our brand’s creative direction. Since 2014, Hans K has partnered with Öberg Miljö & Kvalitet Consultant to continuously improve our sustainability practices.

We work closely with a carefully selected partner factory known for its collaboration with world-renowned furniture brands and its long-standing compliance with UN sustainability standards and EU regulations. Today, our products are distributed globally — with partners in Europe, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand and Israel — as we continue to build a brand based on craftsmanship, service, and responsible production.

Purpose of the Report

This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Hans K’s product portfolio, design philosophy, and strategic direction. It outlines how the company integrates sustainable materials, solid craftsmanship, and exceptional service into its operations while embracing internationalization, digitalization, and ethical values.

By presenting our vision and highlighting key design principles, the report supports continued growth and collaboration — both within the organization and with external partners.

Our Approach to Sustainability

At Hans K, sustainability is integrated into every step of our design and production process — from raw materials to final delivery. We are committed to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of quality, craftsmanship, and longevity.

Sourcing of Materials

Hans K is committed to minimizing environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle. We follow the EU Timber Regulation’s EUTR traceability system, ensuring that the wood used in our furniture is fully traceable — from forest to finished product. This system was reviewed and approved at Hans K several times by the Swedish Forest Agency. In 2026 we will also comply with the new updated regulation — the EU Deforestation Regulation EUDR.

We also comply with EU chemical regulations, including REACH, and require all suppliers to meet the same standards. Products that exceed legal limits for harmful substances are not accepted in our range.

Environmental responsibility begins at the design stage, with reduced material use, recyclable packaging standards, and annual risk assessments to ensure compliance across the supply chain.

Our Partner Factory

Hans K has been collaborating with our partner factory since 2002 which has extensive experience working with both small and large international companies. Through long-term partnerships with trusted manufacturers, the company ensures consistent quality, technical expertise, and flexibility in production.

This allows for a wider product range, efficient customization, and competitive pricing. Our cooperation with Fortune Quality Control Company, established in 2002, ensures compliance with EU and UN regulations, while supporting sustainable development through traceable processes and ongoing quality improvements.

Carbon Footprint Reduction

Since 2019, we have reduced our number of manufacturing partners from a few to one main factory in China — resulting in a 66% reduction in transport distances and emissions within our supply chain. We have also reduced materials and products, and focused on core products. This has created a simplified logistics system, improved quality consistency, and enhanced oversight of our sustainable production goals.

Environmental Impact

Hans K’s sustainability goals align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on reducing environmental impact, protecting biodiversity, and improving quality of life. We continuously strive to improve our processes through long-term partnerships, innovation, and transparent communication.

Our approach is deeply rooted in Scandinavian values:

Timeless design
Durability and repairability
Natural materials
Respect for nature and people

Hans K ensures that all partners follow:

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) for legal wood sourcing (from 2026 EUDR – EU Deforestation Regulation)
REACH for safe chemical use
Product testing at RISE (Research Institute of Sweden) to ensure strength and durability
A 3rd party – Fortune Quality Control Company secures on a daily basis in our partner factory to follow regulations, maintain quality standards and ethical working conditions, etc.

Social Responsibility

We are doing our best to take full responsibility for the working conditions of all employees and partners both locally and globally, where Hans K is involved. Hans K follows the UN Global Compact Code of Conduct, which includes four key areas: Human Rights, Labor Standards, Environmental Responsibility & Anti-Corruption.

Only suppliers who sign and commit to this code are approved, and regular visits and audits are carried out to ensure ongoing compliance. Our partner factories have collaborated with us for decades and are chosen for their consistent quality and ethical practices.

Community Engagement

Hans K actively collaborates with universities and educational institutions, offering internships to students from all over the world. Locally in our community we are a proud member of MFIF — supporting local growth and education.

Hans K encourages a mindset inspired by the “Greta Thunberg mentality” — rethinking everyday habits to reduce environmental impact. “It’s not about all of us being perfect, but if everyone does something, it can have a huge impact.”

Economic Responsibility

Hans K is committed to transparency, legal compliance, and ethical business operations. We are a member of TMF — the Swedish Federation of Wood and Furniture Industry. We follow international, European, and Swedish legislation, and uphold anti-corruption principles outlined in the UN Global Compact. Our suppliers are also required to adhere to these values and document their compliance.

At Hans K, we create furniture built to last — made from natural, solid materials and designed for everyday life. We offer repair shop and upholstery services with customer-selected textiles, working closely with trusted partners such as Svensson and Elmo Läder. Through our in-house repair shop, we give new life to solid wood furniture, staying true to our belief in honest craftsmanship and sustainable use.

Our Main Markets

Hans K proudly delivers Scandinavian design — the same products to different consumers all around the globe. This consumer group has the same demand but coming from different areas of the world.

Hans K collection can be found for example in: Scandinavia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Israel, Japan, Thailand, China, etc.

Sustainability Highlights

100% Traceable wood - EUTR – European Union Timber Regulation - and as of 2026 EUDR - Deforest Regulation
100% Recyclable packaging
66% Reduction in suppliers since 2019
Significantly lower transport distances
A simplified logistics system
More consistent quality
2014 Since 2014, Hans K has partnered with Öberg Miljö & Kvalitet Consultant to continuously improve our sustainability practices.
2022 Hans K Repair Shop was implemented to take care of after-sales service and extend the life of Hans K furniture.
Hans K Repair Shop involves oiling, lacquering, repairing and adopting products to fit the latest trend.

Challenges and Future Goals

Challenges

The EU is known for its stringent environmental regulations, which also encourage companies to improve in areas such as material sourcing, waste management, and emissions. One of the primary challenges lies in sourcing sustainable materials and ensuring that they are legally harvested from ethical sources.

Reducing the carbon footprint is another critical concern, which involves optimizing supply chains to lower transportation emissions and minimizing environmental impact throughout the entire product lifecycle. It is essential to continuously develop and improve strategies to reduce waste during production, ensuring that any waste generated is either recycled or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Additionally, Hans K should raise consumer awareness by educating customers on how to properly care for solid wood furniture, including practices such as oiling and grinding.

Future Goals

In the next years, continuing to use solid wood, mainly oak, is seen as an innovative way to remain sustainable. At the same time, transitioning to a circular economy model becomes a key objective, including services such as repairs and upholstery.

Another critical goal is the development of a sustainable supply chain by working more closely with suppliers—such as factories and logistics companies—to reduce transportation and production impacts.

Finally, by building partnerships with universities and environmental organizations, Hans K can benefit from shared resources, increased knowledge, and improved practices and routines. The challenges are significant, the future is full of bright opportunities to create a better world to dine and sit by using solid wood furniture.

Conclusion

At Hans K, sustainability is not an isolated initiative — it is an integral part of who we are and how we operate. With deep roots in Scandinavian craftsmanship, we are committed to offering furniture of high quality and long lifespan, made with respect for both the environment and the people involved in every step of the process.

We take full responsibility for our impact — socially, environmentally, and economically. From the careful selection of solid wood and the reduction of transport distances, to the use of recyclable packaging and compliance with EU chemical and timber regulations, every decision we make is grounded in long-term thinking and transparency.

Through active and well-anchored CSR efforts, we contribute to a future of sustainable development by working across the entire lifecycle of our furniture — from raw material to the finished product. As a company, we believe that real sustainability comes from conscious choices, enduring design, and partnerships built on mutual responsibility.

Hans K remains dedicated to continuously improving its environmental performance, while offering furniture that is timeless, functional, and a true part of everyday life.

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