Written by: Diane Cudworth, Project Director

What are manufacturers doing to provide eco-friendly (and GUEST-friendly) FF&E and OS&E?

Bath Amenities:

• Packaging using containers which are either recyclable or biodegradable
• Biodegradable products

Carpet:

• Recycling programs for nylon 6,6 carpet (carpet is estimated to be #2 in landfill space)
• Use of recycled product for nylon carpet fiber

Equipment/Appliances and Televisions:

• Energy Star rated equipment/appliances, such as dishwashers, minibars, refrigerators, stoves
• Recycling programs

Fabric, Vinyl and Leather:

• Recyclable products
• Low VOC finishes on leather
• Low VOC vinyl upholstery
• Sustainable water and soil repellency, and fire retardant finishes

Lamping (Light Bulbs):

• Recycling programs available for renovated lamping
• Even lower amounts of (trace) mercury in fluorescent lamping

Terry and Linen:

• Products which do not require ironing
• Products which take less time to dry
• Products made from fibers such as Eucalyptus, which take less energy to manufacture
• More efficient wash testing and manufacturing, resulting in less water consumption

Upholstered Seating:

• 100% recycled foam, bonded with non-toxic adhesive (made using virgin scrap foam that meets fire code requirements)
• Frames built with lumber from certified sustainable forests
• Computerized patterns for cutting of upholstery, resulting in less fabric/leather/vinyl used

Vinyl Wallcovering:

• Low VOC products/adhesive
• Products which help prevent the growth of mold and mildew

General Manufacturing:

• Low to no waste manufacturing, such as Cradle to Grave and Cradle to Cradle
• More manufacturers are now offering eco-friendly products.  Some of these products may provide owners opportunities for LEED Credits. These products are typically more environmentally friendly than many and they don’t always cost more.
• Low emissions from manufacturing equipment and air temperature controls
• Use of nearby resources for supplies (lumber, hardware, etc.)
• Many of the major manufacturers offer east and west coast shipping points, along with U.S. manufacturing
• Recycling programs are available for a variety of FF&E products.
• ISO Certification of the factory, resulting in better working conditions