Image source:
Hem
Image source:
Hay

What's the difference between Hem and Hay

Hem and Hay are two furniture retailers with different approaches to design, sustainability, and ethical labor practices. Hem is an independent design brand that collaborates with vanguard designers and renowned European manufacturers to deliver progressive designs of the highest quality. They only sell on owned channels and speak directly with their clients to make their experience enjoyable and efficient. Hem's products have EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH certifications, and they participate in Goodweave Certified to ensure ethical labor practices. On the other hand, Hay believes that good design is everyone's right. They work with the most talented designers from around the world to create high-quality products that are available to a wide audience. Their products draw inspiration from art, architecture, and fashion. Hay's products have FSC Certified, SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold, Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications. They use recycled materials, water-based finishes, low-VOCs and eco delivery. While both retailers offer sustainable options for consumers looking for environmentally friendly furniture options; Hem stands out as the more responsible choice for those looking for ethically sourced products as they participate in Goodweave Certified program which ensures ethical labor practices in rug-making industry while Hay does not participate in any equitable labor programs. In summary: Hem offers progressive designs of high quality made with locally sourced materials while ensuring ethical labor practices through Goodweave certification program; whereas Hay offers high-quality products inspired by art architecture & fashion made using recycled materials & eco-friendly finishes but does not guarantee ethical labor practices through any certification program.

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

CB2 has this but West Elm does not have it

- Hem collaborates with vanguard designers and renowned European manufacturers, while Hay works with the most talented, curious, and courageous designers from around the world. - Hem focuses on progressive designs of high quality that can enhance people's lives, while Hay offers a fresh take on everyday objects for diverse environments. - Hem offers EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH certifications and participates in Goodweave Certified for ethical labor practices while Hay has FSC Certified, SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold, Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications but does not participate in equitable labor programs. - Hem claims to use locally sourced, contract grade, recycled and responsibly sourced materials whereas Hay uses recycled materials and water-based finishes with low-VOC and eco delivery.

Company Description

Hem
Hem is a progressive design brand and platform that collaborates with vanguard designers and renowned European manufactures to deliver high-quality furnishings. Their goal is to inspire creativity and drive the industry forward through innovation and experimentation. Hem offers sustainably sourced materials and products built to last, while their business model focuses on owned channels and a direct connection with their customers. They are committed to the value of great design, empowering employees, and reducing their environmental impact. Founded in 2014 in Stockholm, Sweden, Hem strives for excellence in all aspects of their operations.
Hay
HAY is a Danish design company that was founded in 2002 with the mission to provide good design to everyone. They offer high-quality furniture, lighting, and accessories that are inspired by art, architecture, and fashion. Their products are designed to be used in a diversity of environments and suit many needs. HAY is committed to sustainability, creating long-lasting products with minimal environmental impact and using innovative materials from development to production. They partner with Maersk ECO Delivery for their ocean transport and have eco-labels such as OEKO-TEX® certification and the Nordic Swan Ecolabel on many of their accessories.

Differences at a Glance

Hem

Hay

Headquarters

Year Founded

Store Type

Product Type

Aesthetic

Parent Company

Welcome Discount

Price

Quality Level

Reviews on Website

Free Returns

White Glove Delivery

Product Warranty

Registry Available

Made-to-Order Items

Free Swatches

Designer Collaborations

In-House Design Services

Trade Program

Trade Discount

Stockholm, Sweden

2014

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Scandinavian Modern

Ormand AG

10%

$$$$

High

No

No

White Glove Delivery to Select Cities

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not Available

Yes

25%

Copenhagen, Denmark

2002

Online, Showroom

Furniture, Furnishings

Danish Modern

MillerKnoll, Inc

Free Shipping

$$$

Mid-High

Yes

No

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Not Available

Yes

20%

Sustainability Mission Comparison

Hem participates in Goodweave Certified, an equitable labor program that works to end child labor in the rug-making industry. This program ensures that all rugs produced by Hem are made with ethical labor practices. Hay, on the other hand, does not participate in any equitable labor programs. This means that there is no guarantee of ethical labor practices for products sold by Hay. While both retailers offer products to consumers, only Hem has taken steps to ensure that their products are made with ethical labor practices. As a result, Hem is the more responsible choice for those looking for ethically sourced products.
Image source:
Hem
Image source:
Hay

Sustainable Product Certifications and Programs

Hem

Hay

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Warranty

Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc.

National Hardwood Lumber Association

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

White Glove Delivery to Select Cities

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

White Glove Delivery

Yes

No

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Sustainability Mission

Hem
Hem is committed to sustainability by focusing on four key areas: local production, logistics, build quality and materials. Production takes place in Europe and India, where the highest environmental and social standards are adhered to throughout the supply chain. Logistics are optimized with full truckloads and ocean containers, while build quality is achieved with durable fabrics and a 0% claims target. Materials are carefully selected for quality and sustainability standards; steel is made from at least 20% recycled content, fabrics are EcoTex or Ecolabel certified, leathers produced in accordance with international standards for animal welfare, foam is REACH certified, and timber responsibly sourced within the EU.
Hay
HAY focuses on developing long-lasting products that reduce environmental impact. Recycled materials, FSC-certified wood and water-based lacquer are used to optimize sustainability, with many eco-certified products. The majority of wooden furniture is produced with a low VOC water-based lacquer for a healthier working environment and longer lifetime. All certified products have undergone emission testing at independent laboratories to meet air quality emission requirements and reduce exposure to air pollution. FSC-certified wood ensures the product has been produced in a socially, economically, and environmentally responsible way. ECOLabeled products are evaluated for the entire life cycle; design features enable disassembly and recycling of the product at the end of its life. ECO Delivery replaces fossil fuels with sustainable low-carbon fuel certified by ISCC body and manufactured from recycled sustainable biomass. Accessories are designed as eco-friendly alternatives to single use plastic products such as reusable shopping bags, straws and water bottles.

Sustainable Product Certifications

Hem and Hay offer varying product certifications. Hem's products have EcoTex, Ecolabel, REACH certifications while Hay's products have FSC Certified, SCS Indoor Advantage™ Gold, Ecolabel, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications. It is important to note that only some of their products have these certifications and the retailers themselves are not certified.

Hem

Hay

FSC Certified

GOTS Certified

OCS Certified

OEKO-TEX® Standard 100

EcoTex

Global Recycled Standard

Recycled Claims Standard

Greenguard Gold Certified

SCS Indoor Advantage Gold

REACH

Ecolable

Yes

No

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

No

No

Yes

No

Yes

Sustainable and Equitable Labor Programs

Hem participates in Goodweave Certified, an equitable labor program that works to end child labor in the rug-making industry. This program ensures that all rugs produced by Hem are made with ethical labor practices. Hay, on the other hand, does not participate in any equitable labor programs. This means that there is no guarantee of ethical labor practices for products sold by Hay. While both retailers offer products to consumers, only Hem has taken steps to ensure that their products are made with ethical labor practices. As a result, Hem is the more responsible choice for those looking for ethically sourced products.

Hem

Hay

Goodweave

Fair Trade USA

Better Cotton Initiative

Craftmark

HERproject

Nest Ethical Handcraft Program

Fifteen Percent Pledge

Yes

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

No

Contributor

Christi Farrell

Christi is a licensed architect and interior designer specializing in sustainability. She enjoys teaching design and bringing transparency to the impact that furniture has on our planet.

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