Materials You Can Trust
At Sprout, we believe that beautiful, functional furniture shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet or your child’s safety. We carefully select materials that are safe, sustainable, and durable. We design with intention, with the goal of creating products that grow with your child, last for generations, and minimize environmental impact.
1. Safety & Non-Toxicity
Low Emissions and Off-Gassing
We prioritize your child’s health. All Baltic Birch used in Sprout products meets or exceeds TSCA Title VI and CARB standards for formaldehyde emissions: less than 0.05 parts per million. That’s less than 0.000005%.
- TSCA Title VI & CARB compliant
- Lacey Act compliant (sustainably sourced wood)
- Non-VOC finish and water-based paints
- UV-cured epoxy acrylate topcoats
GREENGUARD Gold Certification
Many of our products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they meet some of the most rigorous standards for low chemical emissions.
- Helps reduce indoor air pollution and chemical exposure
- Supports healthier environments for children and families
- Certified by UL after rigorous testing for over 10,000 chemicals
Finishes
Our finishes are designed to be both beautiful and safe, with no strong odors or harmful chemicals.
- Clear or Natural Finish: Achieved with multiple coats of a non-VOC, 100% solids, UV-cured epoxy acrylate topcoat made for finishing plywood
- Painted Finish: Achieved with layers of water-based paint, sealed with a non-VOC, 100% solids, UV-cured finish
- The paint complies with all U.S. regulations and creates a clean, washable surface that, when taken care of, should last for many years
- All finish processes are completed in the Northwestern U.S. using state-of-the-art UV facilities.
2. Natural & Sustainable Practices and Materials
Baltic Birch Plywood
Many Sprout products are made with Baltic Birch plywood. Baltic Birch is a plywood product made of birch veneers sourced from the northeastern region of Europe around the Baltic Sea. This reliable material has been used in cabinets, skateboards, and even large aircraft like the Spruce Goose.
We use Baltic Birch because of its fantastic structural and aesthetic properties:
- Durable and strong, yet lightweight
- Crack- and warp-resistant due to cross-banded plies
- Minimal voids compared to other plywoods
- Made from the same material throughout (no weaker or softer wood in the center)
- Thick face veneer (same thickness as the core)
- Light color and fine, attractive grain due to the northern climate’s short growing season
- Ripple figuring appears occasionally, adding decorative appeal
Solid American Oak
In addition to Baltic Birch, some Sprout products are made from American-grown, solid wood oak. This material is selected for its strength, beauty, and long-term durability.
- Sourced from sustainably managed forests in the U.S.
- Made with no MDF, no particle board, and no chemical binders
- Offers a warm, natural look with distinctive grain patterns
- Strong enough to withstand daily use and last for generations
- Finished with non-toxic, VOC-free sealants for a safe, clean surface
Packaging
Sprout’s innovative packaging is designed to use material only where it’s needed for protection, minimizing material elsewhere.
- Primarily made of cardboard
- Little or no foam is used
- Almost all components are recyclable
Low Waste
Sprout modern furniture is designed to use resources as efficiently as possible. Yield is considered early in the design process to minimize scrap and waste.
- Parts are nested on CNC machines for high yields
- Scrap wood is minimized through smart layout and design
- CNC machines have cameras to optimize placement, detect defects, and ensure precision cutting, helping us maximize material use and reduce waste.
3. Durability & Quality
Reusable Furniture
A poorly designed product ends up having a greater environmental impact because it needs to be replaced more often. Sprout products are designed to last throughout your child's life and be passed down to the next generation.
Key features that support durability:
- Easy assembly and disassembly with minimal hardware
- Compact for shipping or moving, and easy to reassemble
- Parts are interchangeable and replaceable
- Damaged parts can be replaced without replacing the entire unit
- Solid construction using 100% Baltic Birch, maple, or oak. No filler materials
- Designs that grow with your child, so you don’t need to keep buying new furniture
4. Easy to Clean
Sprout products are made for everyday use, but because they’re made of natural wood with minimal chemical finishes, regular cleaning will help keep them in great shape.
Care Instructions
- Clean painted surfaces using a mild cleaner. Spray the cleaner directly on the surface and wipe off immediately.
- Avoid all contact with oil. If the product gets wet, dry it immediately.
- Unpainted surfaces can be wiped clean or sanded, depending on the substance.
- Only sand in the direction of the grain.
- Sprout products are only made for indoor use. Outdoor use voids the warranty.
5. Aesthetic Appeal & Feel
Finishes you can choose from:
Finished Birch
Warm, natural wood with a clear Non-VOC UV cured resin finish.
Unfinished Birch
Warm, natural, unfinished wood surface.
Woodgrain Laminate
A surface that imitates natural wood but has superior wear resistance. Ideal when water may be present.
Clear Melamine
A clean, clear finish on natural wood. Resists water and is more durable than paint, though not as durable as laminate.
White Melamine
A clean, bright finish on natural wood. Resists water and is more durable than paint, though not as durable as laminate.
White Laminate
A high-contrast surface with superior durability, cleanability, and wear resistance. Ideal when water may be present.
Two-Tone
A clean, bright painted finish that contrasts natural Birch.
