GREENING THE ENVIRONMENT:
ONE COMPANY AT A TIME

THE HISTORY:
Promoting its green enterprises is not a new concept for Vertilux. From PVC-free products, to selecting recyclable materials, to reprocessing the water in its production facility, Vertilux’s commitment to eco-friendliness continues to be a long-standing initiative. Not only does the company encourage environmentally-friendly options, it helps its customers understand which of its products will meet the energy needs of a specific project. While a window treatment may cost more initially, looking at the long-term benefits—such as heating, cooling, and lighting cost savings—may provide a much better return.

GREEN INITIATIVES:

• Species protection program for wood blinds materials.
• Eco-friendly materials (for example: recyclable polyester cord threads, re- processed cotton fiber, and bamboo).
• Recyclable production materials/ finished products.
• Vision Solar Screen program: recyclable polyester-based material.
• Recycle/Reprocess all waste material created during production.
• Oeko-Tex certified.
• Eco-codice initiative, to strive to find more ways to improve products and processes.

ALMEDAHL-KINNA AB

THE HISTORY:
With over 100 years experience in the textile manufacturing industry, Sweden-based Almedahl-Kinna AB is an environmental leader within Europe. According to Swedish authorities, it is the processes and production aspects of businesses that create the largest environmental impact. With this in mind, Almedahls has been taking major steps to reduce the impact it is having on the environment. As early as the 1970s, the company began looking at wastewater issues, thereby reducing water consumption in the process. Reducing energy consumption was the next step, followed by reducing any hazardous chemicals that could be impeding production.

GREEN INITIATIVES:

• Direct control over materials used by blending coatings in-house.
• Licensed in accordance with the environmental protection law.
• Hydrogen peroxide used for bleaching (no chlorine bleaching agents).
• Chemicals containing APEO or azo dyestuffs are not used.
• Chemicals containing halogen (chlo- rine, bromine) or antimony are not used in the flame-retardant treatments.
• Drying processes include a heat exchange to recoup 25-30% of the energy, while condensing pollution.
• Production waste material is assorted for recycling when possible.
• Combustible material is used for energy recovery by combustion.
• Oeko-Tex certified for most fabrics.
• ISO certified for most contract drapery collections.
• Transportation initiatives including consolidating shipments, working with suppliers to ensure environmental stan- dards are being met, and reducing the amount of different trucks loading at the warehouse.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES:
The importance of providing eco-friendly products to consumers through their processes, production, and products themselves is obvious, but how do companies communicate environmental efforts to their customer-base? Almedahls has taken steps to make those who are interested in their products aware of their green focus, adding information in their collection books, giving their website an environmental edge, and later this year creating a brochure to communicate its core values. Hansom elaborates, “It is Almedahls’ goal to continue to communicate the message of environmental awareness to its consumers.”

SUNLAND SHUTTER

THE HISTORY:
Even before the rise of its popularity, Sunland Shutters has always been a conscientious member of the green movement. As European standards are much higher than US standards when it comes to classifying eco-friendly options, Sunland Shutters has looked to Europe as an example of green design, even purchasing its paints overseas to ensure it is using the most environmentally friendly paint finishes available to the industry. “More and more companies are beginning to view it as their corporate responsibility to design products that are environmentally friendly and are finding that most consumers are willing to pay a premium for these green-friendly products,” says Foster. GREEN INITIATIVES:

• 100% recyclable materials.
• Waterborne paint products with ultra-low VOCs.
• No lead additives in paint.
• Energy-efficient shutters, drastically minimizing energy consumption and lowering energy bills.
• Customized shipping crates to reduce excess waste.
• Captured and treated dioxins onsite to prevent escape into environment.
• Recycling programs for paper, plastic, and glass.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES:
This year, Sunland Shutters plans to take its green focus to the next level by becoming GreenGuard certified, in addition to researching the LEED certification program. Dedicated to putting health, safety, and the environment before profits, Sunland continually promotes the green benefits of its shutters through its website, ads, and flyers. Foster sums it up this way, “Sunland Shutters aspires to help our nation venture down a greener future by borrowing European technology to design greener products—providing our people with stylish window furnishings they can use to help protect our environment and conserve our resources.”

B&W WINDOW FASHIONS

THE HISTORY:
With their company roots dating back to 1891, B&W Window Fashions has had an eco-friendly mission from the start. As the founder of the company grew up during the Depression era, he learned from the beginning the importance of conservation and remaining frugal with the limited resources that were available. As the developer of one of the first insulated shades in the 1970s when gas prices were rising, B&W has continued to uphold its environmental mission to offer eco-friendly products and conduct its business in a manner that will not harm the environment.

GREEN INITIATIVES:

• Renewable Resources: Horizons Natural Shades are made from bamboo, grasses, and other reeds, with bamboo being one of the most renewable resources in the world.
• Eco-Friendly Processing: 100% natural materials, treated in a natural, chemi- cal-free process with high-intensity heat.
• Eco-Friendly Hand-Crafting: Hand-cut, hand-assembled product with no heavy machinery used.
• Limited Waste: Committed to recycling, with extra material saved and reused.
• Minimalist Design: Uses the minimum amount of materials to create a high- quality product.
• Energy Savings: Insulating properties of woven wood shades, especially lined woven-wood shades, provide ex- tra savings on heating and cooling bills.

FUTURE OBJECTIVES:
In the near future, B&W is adding a new line of screen fabrics that are Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified, meaning the products contain no harmful chemicals and are tested for various elements of eco-friendliness. The company is also pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification in the interior fashions category. “As there is very little standardization in the industry, it can be hard to educate oneself on green design and the options available,” explains Tom Perkowitz, director of marketing, B&W Window Fashions. “While green is a hot topic today, it is still essential to layer in the green message with the other benefits of the product. It still needs to be fashionable, and it still needs to be competitively priced.” WF