The American Home Furnishings Alliance plans to honor home furnishing or bedding manufacturers, designers or retailers that commit to sustainable design, growth and practices.

The group will present the Sage Environmental Awards later this year to those showing leadership in reducing the industry’s environmental impact. The criterion includes profitability, social and sustainable business practices.

Judges will give additional consideration to design and merchandising that drives sustainability or lengthens the lifecycle of a product, as well as the reduction of fossil fuel-based transport through shipping, manufacturing and warehouse operations. Other factors to be examined include materials sourcing, recycling, waste, water consumption, employee education and energy use.

Applicants must also show a commitment to social and community issues, as well as illustrate that their business model and practices can deliver growth and profitability.

Cargill’s BiOH polyols will sponsor the awards. The product is an industrial polyol made from natural vegetable oil and used in flexible foams.