August 14, 2006—A new report from the nonprofit Clean Production Action (CPA) illuminates how six companies are using comprehensive, environmentally friendly strategies for eliminating toxic chemicals and materials in their products and building materials.
“Healthy Business Strategies for Transforming the Toxic Chemical Economy,” highlights six case studies: Avalon Natural Products, Dell Inc., H&M, Herman Miller, Interface and Kaiser Permanente.
The report highlights a cross-section of products including the famous Herman Miller ergonomic, yet sleek office chairs, H&M’s affordable fashion-forward clothing, and the non-toxic carpet specially commissioned by Kaiser Permanente for its hospitals.
CPA hopes that by showing a broad range of company products and innovative approaches to using safer chemicals other companies will adopt similar practices such as conducting internal hazard assessments, investing in plant-based materials, applying green chemistry and green engineering principles, and making safe chemicals research and production a priority within their supply chains.
Each company in the report shows leadership initiative in its efforts to ban hazards from its products, and investment in protecting and enhancing its brand. The report also highlights the importance of partnering with companies that share the same commitment, not compromising once a company has said its products do not contain a certain chemical, and incorporating environmental principles at the design stage.
All of the companies’ investments are paying off in different ways: from cost savings and the creation of new sub-markets to product differentiation, reduced reputation risk, and improved quality. For companies seeking similar results, their efforts show a clear path for corporations to better manage chemicals in their supply chains and products, says CPA.
A free copy of the report can be downloaded from CPA.
