What happens when a second-generation woodworker decides to challenge the norms of his industry?
Harith Ridzuan, better known as Harith Green Carpenter (HGC), did just that. As the heir to his family’s wood manufacturing business in Kuala Lumpur, he could have played it safe. However, in 2013, he took a big step to make sustainability the centre of his work. He wanted to create beautiful products, but not at the expense of the environment.
Based on this vision, he founded The Green Factory in 2017, which is known today as the greenest wood manufacturing facility in KL. Have you ever considered what actually goes into the furniture you use? At The Green Factory, everything is intentional, from the use of upcycled material to environmentally friendly protection, waste management, and even public education.
Harith's work has not been in vain. In 2018, he won the respected Good Design Award in Japan along with the Europa Sustainability Award, celebrating both his innovative products and his contribution to the environment as an SME leader. Under his tutelage, the company has turned into a powerhouse of seven eco-conscious brands that export to more than 20 countries. However, Harith is not limiting himself to that.
He continues to advocate for conscious green living and improved stewardship of Malaysian forests, as well as increased consumer trust in sustainable design. To him, it is not only a story of carpentry but also of creating a legacy where design meets responsibility.
So the next time you admire a beautiful piece of furniture, ask yourself—was it made with the future in mind?