Our business model encompasses more than company budgets and products, and our business ethos serves more than company employees and investors. Baru is committed to protecting the environment through sustainable manufacturing practices. Sustainable manufacturing relies on both economically and environmentally-sound processes. It’s a system that gives back as much as it takes.

This eco-friendly trend has been gaining real traction over the last couple decades, with a growing number of companies and corporations including “sustainability” as a necessary part of their corporate strategy. Being solely “economically viable” is no longer enough, especially amidst a global environmental crisis.

To make sure that this industry-wide shift towards sustainability is more than just a temporary trend, Baru ensures a sustainable cycle: From sourcing quality natural materials, to partnering exclusively with local American manufacturers, to the replacement of trees for every order made.

From Trees

Because our furniture is custom made to order, the first step in the Baru cycle technically begins with the customer. Once an order is placed, materials and finishes are ordered, and it’s off to the lumber yard.

Our wood collection is hand selected from the best trees. And by combining wood veneer from different trees through varying slicing techniques, we’re able to create smoother veneers. This patented mix-match technique also means that less wood is wasted and fewer trees are cut down for each piece (without compromising on the aesthetics and feel).

After being cut, the wood panels are then taken to one of our manufacturing partners across the United States--likely a small workshop located near the final delivery destination.

To Machines

Don’t mistake eco-friendly for “simple” or “unrefined.” Because we definitely subscribe to 21st century manufacturing techniques, namely automated machinery.

When in order is executed, the manufacturing workshop first receives the materials and hardware pieces needed. And then their automated manufacturing machine receives a set of operating instructions to create that order. It’s not unlike a kind of 3D printer. From a selected design and materials, these automated machines “print” a piece of furniture. Finishing touches are then done by carpenters and woodworkers, perfectly melding automated precision with human design. So from start to finish, an item ordered on Baru is completely American made and American sourced.

To You

Within two weeks of an order being placed, that furniture piece is made and delivered to your desired location. (And, if needed, assembled in situ.) Thanks to Amazon, easy ordering and quick delivery are now expected of any online marketplace. And the online shopping experience is rapidly becoming the furniture industry standard.

We’ve chosen to go the extra mile by incorporating augmented reality. With Baru’s app, users can test virtual product placement with a wave of their smartphone or tablet. Then resize or customize the piece to perfectly fit within the dimensions and feel of your space. Especially during this past year of lockdowns and quarantines, the use of augmented reality to virtually try out different items has largely replaced traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Then Back to the Trees

What officially closes the manufacturing loop is our newly enacted pledge of tree donations. Baru will plant 3 trees for every purchase made, helping to replace the wood needed to make those purchases. A small gesture perhaps but it makes a big impact.

It probably goes without saying that trees are vital. They soak up carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants; They provide additional habitats for numerous species; And it’s hard to deny the calming, soothing effect of looking out into a sea of green.

Our journey to sustainability is well underway. We’re so pleased with the progress made despite such a tumultuous year. But we do have big plans for the future.

At the top of our to-do list is adding more manufacturing partners (to be within a 1-hour driving time of 60 million U.S. households), continue to support small local businesses and workshops, and to eliminate our carbon footprint. The realization of these goals made possible with sustainable manufacturing.

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