We recognize sustainability as a set of business, policy, and societal issues for which there is no single set of correct answers. Our sustainability efforts represent a process of continuous refinement, and our achievements are a work in process. Some of the results of our investments in sustainability include:

Resource-efficient materials
We use molded plywood shells in a significant number of our seating lines; either as the internal structure that's upholstered, or as the exposed, finished structure itself. Hardwood veneers use virtually the entire log, providing high-yield use of a renewable resource. In addition, veneers contain a relatively low level of embodied energy, especially when balanced against the design and engineering flexibility they afford. Molded plywood components offer high strength-to-weight performance from a low volume of raw material content.

Net-shape manufacturing
Injection-molded plastic components allow us to take advantage of specific polymer engineering properties (such as variable material thickness) with almost 100% part yield, virtually eliminating material waste. These thermoplastic resins are molded in a physical process that generates no chemical by-products or off-gassing in production. High-performance resins, such as polypropylene and polycarbonate are durable, widely-recyclable, and ready to use as-molded without additional finishing.

High-durability finishes
We offer finishing alternatives for a range of surface performance and durability. Polished aluminum is a physical process that consumes minimal additional resources. Powder coating provides a broad color selection in a durable, 100% solvent-free process. Chrome plating provides our customers with the most durable surface finish available; it's a process that's especially appropriate for stack seating, and ensures the longest possible service life in high-traffic and high use applications. Current plating technology provides the means to deliver this performance with significant reductions in water and energy consumption, and increased safety in the production environment.

Better places to work
We've modified our manufacturing process to reduce environmental impact, both in our facilities as well as those of our customers.
+ Foam - we only use 100% CFC-free foam.
+ Adhesives - we use low- or no-VOC adhesives, wherever possible.
+ Air quality - we meet or exceed all federal and local emission standards. In fact, we've reduced solvent emissions to the point that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection no longer asks us to report them.
+ Waste reduction - we recapture and recycle all scrap paper, wooden pallets, and steel (last year, we recycled 31 tons of cardboard, 33 tons of steel, and 7 trailers of wood pallets... we even recycle scrap leather for production of wallets and other small items).

Beyond manufacturing, we've also addressed the quality of the environment in our facility.
+ Energy consumption - we have incorporated banks of skylights throughout our plant, both to reduce use of electrical light fixtures and to provide our employees access to natural light.
+ Health and safety - we maintain a non-smoking, tobacco-free and drug-free workplace, and offer a variety of assistance programs to help our employees maintain healthy lifestyles.

We're continuously exploring product and process opportunities that could lead to improved use of our precious human, financial, and material resources.