June 30, 2003—Steelcase Inc., an office furniture manufacturer, has eliminated the emission of almost all volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from its metal finishing operations based in Michigan. VOC emissions can produce ground-level ozone, which contributes to the creation of smog.
Steelcase accomplished this goal by developing new technologies to convert solvent-based painting operations to powder coat finishing. Steelcase is also converting to powder coat finishing in other manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, and Europe. When the conversions are complete, the company’s global VOC emissions will be reduced even further.
Reaching the VOC-free goal is the latest in a line of environmental innovations accomplished by Steelcase. In October 2001, the US Green Buildings Council awarded Steelcase with a silver certificate in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program for setting a new standard in environmental excellence with its wood furniture manufacturing facility. Earlier this year, Steelcase and The Designtex Group introduced the Environmental Impact Collection, an abundant array of environmentally responsible seating and panel fabrics. Steelcase implemented sustainable manufacturing processes in the production of these textiles that allowed for reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, waste sent to landfills, process water consumption, and petroleum consumption.
