La Lune Collection has been at the forefront of eco-friendly furniture manufacturing since its inception in 1979. Long before “eco-friendly” became a buzzword, La Lune was committed to sustainable practices, prioritizing the environment and the restoration of biodiversity. This commitment is deeply ingrained in every aspect of their operation, from sourcing materials to production methods and product longevity.
Sustainable Sourcing and Manufacturing
La Lune’s dedication to the environment is evident in their material sourcing and manufacturing processes. They exclusively harvest fast-growing and invasive wood species like poplar and willow. This practice not only reduces the negative impact on global rainforests, often associated with the lumber and furniture industries, but also actively contributes to restoring biodiversity in previously clear-cut forests. All harvesting is conducted by hand by La Lune employees, ensuring complete control and supervision with low-tech, eco-friendly hand tools, eliminating the need for heavy logging equipment.
The factory, located in Wisconsin, utilizes wood harvested locally. This significantly reduces transportation inefficiencies and environmental impact. Furthermore, La Lune’s manufacturing methods are designed to be highly eco-friendly and efficient, relying primarily on handcrafting. These low-energy methods generate minimal waste and pollution, mirroring the efficiency of simple, low-tech solutions.
Eco-Friendly Factory Operations
The La Lune factory itself is a testament to their commitment to sustainability. Buildings and machinery, many dating back to the early 1900s, have been carefully recycled and restored to incorporate high energy efficiency. Wood and other waste products from manufacturing are utilized to fire kilns and heat the factory. Even wood shaving waste finds a new purpose as animal bedding for local farmers.
A key element of La Lune’s sustainability strategy is their “just-in-time” manufacturing approach. They carry no inventory of finished furniture, producing items only as they are sold. This minimizes the inefficiencies and expenses associated with producing and storing excess inventory. To further reduce shipping distances and their associated environmental impact, La Lune exclusively markets and sells its products within the US and Canada.
Non-Toxic Finishes and Durable Design
La Lune employs non-polluting, non-toxic, and non-flammable water-based finishes for their products. These finishes are locally manufactured and applied in dip tanks, eliminating the air pollution, energy costs, and waste generated by typical spray booth applications.
The furniture is designed and constructed for exceptional longevity, intended to last for generations and potentially become valuable antiques. This focus on durability inherently reduces the environmental impact and landfill waste associated with cheaply made, disposable furniture. Importantly, if La Lune furniture is ever discarded, it is 100% biodegradable.
Community and Education
La Lune’s commitment extends beyond environmental sustainability to human sustainability. In 1986, they relocated to an abandoned factory in a central city neighborhood, revitalizing the building and providing local employment opportunities. They further supported the community by opening a youth center for at-risk children in 1989.
The company also serves as an educational resource, offering tours of their factory to school and civic groups. Visitors learn firsthand about eco-friendly manufacturing processes and the La Lune philosophy from founder Mario Costantini. La Lune actively supports local environmental initiatives, including the Urban Ecology Center.
Fabric and Material Options
La Lune offers a variety of fabric options for their upholstered accessories. Prices include a choice of twenty La Lune Collection indoor/outdoor fabrics or the option for Customer’s Own Material (COM). Unlike ordinary fabrics where dye only penetrates the outer layer, La Lune’s yarn-dyed fabrics have color that penetrates to the core, ensuring long-lasting vibrancy. This color-to-the-core process also makes the fabrics easy to clean, with most spills removable by mild soapy water. For tougher stains, bleach can be used. Customers can request actual fabric cuttings for a closer look.
Using COM is a straightforward process. Customers determine the required yardage, clearly label their package with contact information and order details, and ship it to La Lune’s Milwaukee facility. La Lune will expertly cut and apply the COM unless specific instructions are provided. Additional yardage may be necessary for fabrics with patterns requiring matching or those narrower than 54 inches wide.
Additionally, customers can select fabrics from the Sunbrella indoor/outdoor upholstery line for a surcharge. Information on ordering with Sunbrella fabrics can be obtained by contacting La Lune directly.
Woods and Finishes
La Lune utilizes locally harvested willow, poplar, or cedar woods for their accessories, employing sustainable and eco-friendly manufacturing methods. Finishes include “Natural Finish on Bark” (N) for willow/poplar with bark, “Premium Finishes on Bark” (P) for stained willow/poplar with bark, and “Premium Finish Peeled” (P) for stained, bark-peeled poplar/cedar. Variations in finish color and texture are natural characteristics of the wood. While some cracking or flaking may occur, it does not affect the structural integrity of the furniture. Customers can request finish matching for previous orders.
Outdoor Use Considerations
For outdoor use, customers must specify if the furniture will be “completely outdoors” or “outdoors under cover.” The Natural and Premium finishes on bark are suitable for “outdoors under cover” but not recommended for “completely outdoors.” Peeled bark finishes can be used in any outdoor installation, unless otherwise noted. Orders for “completely outdoors” will be made with peeled bark cedar, which may exhibit natural checking and cracking.
Indoor and Outdoor Care
Indoor furniture requires no specific maintenance and can be cleaned with furniture polish or a damp cloth. For outdoor furniture, annual resealing with a clear exterior varnish is recommended, and storage indoors during winter months is advised.
Fabric Care and Cleaning
Proper maintenance of La Lune fabrics involves brushing off dirt, wiping spills immediately, and spot cleaning. General cleaning involves a mild detergent solution, rinsing, and air drying. Spot cleaning can be done with a light mist of detergent and water, followed by rinsing and blotting. Hand washing or machine washing in cold water with mild detergent and bleach is also an option for cushion covers. For stubborn stains and mildew, a solution of bleach and mild detergent can be used, followed by rinsing and air drying. Ironing on a synthetic setting is permissible, but steaming is not recommended.
Customization and Commercial Use
All accessory items are available in custom dimensions, designs, finishes, and options, including customer-specified designs. These custom accessories are available only to the trade.
La Lune accessories and the entire La Lune Collection are designed and constructed to withstand heavy commercial use, having been tested in demanding installations such as restaurants, hotels, and casinos for over 30 years. The company offers a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for normal indoor residential or commercial use. Inquiries regarding contract pricing, delivery, custom designs, and commercial questions are welcome.
Product Design, Dimensions, and Policies
Due to the handcrafted nature of the furniture, variations in size, wood, design, color, texture, construction, and dye lots are expected. Measurements are taken at the furthest point of each item. Customers should measure their entryways and spaces to ensure clearance. Orders can be changed based on La Lune’s ability to accommodate, though changes may incur additional charges and affect order scheduling. Order acceptance is final and binding, with cancellations subject to a fee of 25% to the total order amount. Due to the custom-made nature of the products, only defective or damaged merchandise can be returned.
Product Warranty
La Lune warrants to the original purchaser that each piece of furniture will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal indoor residential or commercial use for one year. This warranty excludes outdoor use due to uncontrollable variables such as weather and maintenance.
The La Lune Pledge
La Lune Collection expresses gratitude for customer patronage, attributing their success to creative designs, incomparable quality, and exceptional service. They pledge to deliver the finest rustic furniture. Customers are encouraged to contact President Mario Costantini directly with any unresolved questions or concerns, as their comments and suggestions are highly valued.
