Ligne Roset may be a global design powerhouse, but at its core, it’s a family business through and through. Founded in 1860 in Briord, France (at the time as a small workshop crafting umbrellas), the furniture brand has stayed true to its “made in France” roots with a nearly unparalleled focus on craftsmanship. From hand-sewn seams to custom stitching, the human touch is an integral part of the Ligne Roset DNA. The artisanal skills honed in the company’s factories — five in total, across the regions of Ain, Rhône and Isère — have been passed down through the decades, where they continue to be nurtured by fifth-generation co-CEOs (and cousins) Antoine and Olivier Roset.

In an industry where mass production, enabled by new technologies, is now the norm, Ligne Roset’s hands-on approach is a refreshing change of pace. Not only is the company continuing to employ master upholsterers, who are becoming increasingly scarce in the workforce, it is actively working to preserve these skills through education. Antoine and Olivier recently launched an intensive training program that teaches the specialized skills needed to become an upholsterer or machinist, in which apprentices are guaranteed permanent positions upon completing the 644-hour program. In this way, the co-CEOs are ensuring the continuation of the company’s legacy while supporting the growth of the skilled trades, creating new jobs and stimulating the local economy. As a member of “La French Fab,” Ligne Roset also works alongside other industry leaders to foster innovation, sustainability and the continued appeal of artisanal careers in France.

But the company’s commitment to old-world techniques doesn’t come at the expense of innovation. A pioneer in sustainable furniture production, Ligne Roset carefully considers the entire product life cycle — from raw material selection to energy optimization in manufacturing and designing for recyclability — to ensure the minimum environmental impact possible. “We have to be carbon neutral within the next 10 years, and we have a sustainability plan to address everything, including design, materials and equipment. We’re even going to switch out all our team’s cars and delivery trucks for electric ones,” Antoine told us in our November/December issue. 

PHOTO: Aude Lemaitre

Waste reduction is another key component of the company’s eco-conscious ethos. At its St-Jean-le-Vieux facility, for instance, offcuts and wood dust generated during production are used as fuel to heat the 45,000-square-metre space. The benefits are twofold, minimizing waste and energy consumption to reduce the factory’s carbon footprint.

Most importantly, each piece of furniture is crafted with meticulous attention to detail to ensure heirloom quality. After all, to truly make an impact, it is critical to move away from a culture of overconsumption. With a portfolio of iconic designs by industry veterans, like Michel Ducaroy’s infamous Togo sofa, Ligne Roset has proved that its products have longevity beyond their durability, giving owners plenty of incentive to pass pieces down for generations to come.

The company’s new releases embrace this same blend of tradition and innovation that has become the Ligne Roset signature. Many of them, no doubt, will become icons in their own right. With a roster of over 70 designers worldwide, the company invests in its relationships with collaborators, further underscoring its commitment to the people behind the brand. Prioritizing the earth, the community and design excellence in equal measure, Ligne Roset has solidified itself as a world-class brand — and a paragon of both environmental and social sustainability.

This content was published by Azure on behalf of Ligne Roset.