BKind3 Says “Have a Seat and Rest your Mind”
Posted by Jessica, BiOH Polyols Marketing Manager on July 23, 2009
Welcome to the Soy Style: Did you KnOH? contest. To enter the contest, all you need to do is read the daily post (now through July 26), leave a comment, and you’re entered to win $100 each day!
We’d like to introduce you to BKind3 – a manufacturer from North Carolina that markets sustainable upholstery with a commitment to transparency around the materials used in their products and certifications that verify their claims. From their frames to their fabrics to the soy-based cushions made with BiOH® polyols, Carl Gustafson shares their sustainability story – and gives new meaning to “sitting on soy”!
BKind3 is proud of their use of certified wood from the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers (AHMI) association. AHMI follows sustainable forestry practices and provides in-depth forest resources on their website. BKind3 had some fun highlighting their use of certified wood in their showroom at High Point. Check it out:
BKind3 offers a variety of upholstered styles with a range of fabric choices. We captured a short video highlighting one of their sofa styles, two chairs, and an ottoman in their showroom at High Point Market in April. Enjoy!
Now that you’ve been introduced to BKind3, what questions do you have for them?
Read all of our recent posts in your favorite feed reader. 
Bonnie said on July 23, 2009:
Very grateful to learn of a regional business here in the Appalachians leading by example… we do NOT need to clear cut our land to create products for consumption! Would love to ask for details of raw wood materials path to finished product so I can encourage support of the other businesses involved in this sustainable practice.
THANK YOU, BKind3!
Dean Weber said on July 23, 2009:
Even though my business has no relation to furniture (I own a bbq restaurant) I feel we have the same values. What I enjoy best about them is that they are not afraid to strip it down to the bare bones and are accountable for EVERYTHING that goes into their furniture. I also like it being a US company utilizing respect to forestry and the fabric being infant safe. Great price point too…. affordable. You know that this company has your back! Carl is great and easy to listen too….breaks it down into reality!
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
Clear cutting is certainly not sustainable. However within the Appalachian forest a major portion is managed on a sustainable basis. Modern harvesting plants an average of 2.29 trees for every one cut down. For the most comprehensive info go to this website. http://www.appalachianhardwood.info. BKIND3 is a certified user of lumber that is verified sustainable by the United States Forest Service. You live in a beautiful area. Our factory has been in Hickory, NC for over 30 years and also wants that beauty to be available for future generations. Thank you for your concern.
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
Hope it is NC BBQ. And with sweet tea and hush puppies. The best.
Thanks for your comment. The BKIND3 factories have been doing the right things for years. Using wood waste to help heat the plant, aware of using low VOC for finish, treating employees like family, and of course making sure all our products speak of sustainability. Our partnership with the BiOH has been for a number if years. Great product for our seating and comes with great comfort. Time tested. Glad you like the video. I was nervous.
Patty Skilken said on July 23, 2009:
Quick…where can we buy? Why would anyone with a social conscience buy anything else?
Sharon Ligouri said on July 23, 2009:
Terrific video, Carl and I love the philosophy behind your company. I had the pleasure of seeing your showroom at the spring market and can give testimony that the soy cushions ARE very comfortable. WHO WOULD GUESS? Plus the colors are KIND to the eyes.
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
Quick..place to buy right now. Go to http://www.Overstock.com ( they sell more than just overstock – first rate on line company with great reputation) Go to furniture section and in the “search” under furniture type in eco friendly – our living rooms and chairs are there. We are the company located on NC. Plus it is mentioned we use the BiOH soy based foam. Like your comment on the “social conscience”. Good idea. Plus made in NC. I want to create jobs for those folks!
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
Thank you Sharon. Good comment from someone who has actually sat on the BiOH foam. We take time to be sure folks can really relax when they have a seat. And yes BKIND3 takes the time to find colors that are pleasing to the eye and are part of the wonderful colors available today for the home.
Karen Maunu said on July 23, 2009:
Love this!
What I love most is that all parts of the pieces are sustainable….from the frame, the foam, and the fabric. When I think about the future world for my children, this is so important to me.
The key word that I took from the videos was “transparent”….this is so important for me….I want to know all parts. This is exactly how we are in our work, there is a huge trust factor that goes along with transparent. Not only do I love the desk, but all of the brochures and certificates that go along with this…truly transparent…
Thank you!
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
I am pleased you picked up the transparent part of BKIND3. When I started this was a goal. Todays consumer wants to know and given all the access they have to info via the internet…. why not. Consumers not only want eco friendly they want safe. They should know about our supply chain. I am very supportive of BiOH who tell their story. When choosing suppliers I demand to know if they are of the same mind set. It’s how we bring the product to you. Funny..maybe I should start making the desk to sell. Made on a whim.
megan hunt said on July 23, 2009:
I love this new sustainable design for furniture and I think you guys are way ahead of the trend, actually finding a way to make these things a possibility rather than just saying “wouldn’t it be nice..” !
I also love that you’re doing contemporary furniture styles.
Carl Gustafson said on July 23, 2009:
“Wouldn’t it be nice…” Beach Boys. Miss those songs. Got lost in a moment there. Sorry. I’m back. Sustainable is there in many other industries. For some reason furniture stores folks are the last to get it. The bedding guys are begining to get it. Look at Natura mattress. Wow, and BiOH based.
And yes there is a wave out there and the smart folks will catch it and truly know they are helping from sustainable point of view. BKIND3 wanted to make this possible. Thanks for noticing. Surf’s Up. Now where is that board!
Jessica Koster said on July 24, 2009:
What fun conversations! Carl definitely wins recognition for the most comments…so great to see a manufacturer really engaging with consumers online!
The selected winning comment for the BKind3 post was from…Karen Maunu. Congratulations Karen!! We agree that transparency is so important to build trust and educate. Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts!!
Carl Gustafson said on July 24, 2009:
My thanks to Jessica Koster & BiOH for hosting this. My thanks to Leslie for all the tweets supporting BKIND3 and the BiOH program. Both terrific partners in helping our furniture industry. We are all in this for the long run and I will say it one more time…I want to bring jobs back to NC. This area still has some of the most highly skilled and dedicated workers for the furniture industry.
Maria Hogan said on July 25, 2009:
Carl-
Came across these series of videos through @tkpleslie & @kathyireland conversation. I sell baskets and decorative accessories, so I can’t offer any help. Just wanted to wish you luck. I especially like everything is GREEN! If more people understood how important to think GREEN!
Best Wishes!
Maria
Carl Gustafson said on July 26, 2009:
Best wishes…Thank you Maria,
Hope your basket and accessories business is doing well. You did help by just responding and being aware. The more people like you who become aware help our efforts to offer the consumer a more “social conscience” directed choice. And why not.
Folks at BiOH understand. And @tkpleslie on twitter is a believer and like a troubador sending a message of GREEN. Though she really is a trobairitz.
Carl
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