La Palma, CA — Arcadia and Encore are proud to announce that the majority of their seating products have earned BIFMA LEVEL® 1 certification, an important milestone in their ongoing commitment to sustainable design and responsible manufacturing.

The certification, administered by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA), is a comprehensive sustainability standard for the commercial furniture industry. It requires rigorous third-party verification and evaluates products, facilities, and organizational practices against stringent criteria, including material health, energy use, social responsibility, and environmental impact. The achievement underscores their dedication to meeting industry benchmarks for sustainable manufacturing.

“This accomplishment represents much more than a certification. It shows our team’s commitment to responsible practices and forward-thinking design,” says Casey Journigan, President of the two brands. “As a California-based manufacturer, we’re held to some of the nation’s highest environmental and safety standards, and we’ve always embraced that challenge as an opportunity to go above and beyond.”

In addition to attaining BIFMA LEVEL recognition, Arcadia and Encore continue to uphold their SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold status across nearly all products, ensuring low chemical emissions and healthier indoor environments.

Together, these mark another step forward in the two brands’ ongoing focus on smart, circular manufacturing. It begins with designing products that maximize the use and re-use of recycled or recyclable components, always with end-of-life considerations in mind. Packaging has also been improved, with reductions in non-recyclable materials helping to minimize landfill waste. Additionally, recent investments in energy-efficient manufacturing equipment support safer, cleaner production methods and contribute to broader environmental goals.

“Our sustainability journey is continuous,” adds Arcadia and Encore Executive VP, Chris Burgess, who works closely with the internal team responsible for leading the companies’ green initiatives. “We’re proud of this milestone but remain focused on what’s ahead — constantly seeking ways to improve the environmental and human impact of everything we do.”

Beyond environmental stewardship, Arcadia and Encore also take social responsibility and community engagement seriously, something that also aligns with BIFMA LEVEL’s holistic, human-centric approach to sustainability. They actively support their local communities through volunteer efforts and philanthropic partnerships, and are also longstanding supporters of Common Thread for the Cure, contributing to the foundation’s mission of providing financial assistance to individuals in the furnishings and design industries affected by breast cancer. This commitment to social impact reflects the two brands’ broader vision of making a meaningful difference, both within and beyond the workplace.

For more information about Arcadia and Encore’s sustainability initiatives and certified products, please visit arcadiacontract.com and encoreseating.com.