Pollution Prevention
OFS Brands is a family owned corporation committed to providing environmentally responsible furniture and logistic solutions through better design, excellent performance, and innovative products and services.
OFS Brands strives to be an environmental leader by incorporating lifecycle thinking and continuously pursuing ways to reduce pollution generated by the manufacturing, support, and logistics operations of the company.
Life Cycle Thinking
OFS Brands will incorporate Life Cycle Thinking through the observance of Life Cycle Assessment, a process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or activity by identifying and quantifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment. Our LCT observance assists us in the assessment of the impact of the energy and materials used and released into the environment; identifying and evaluating the opportunities to affect environmental improvements. The assessment includes the entire life cycle of the product, process or activity, encompassing, extracting and processing raw materials; manufacturing, transportation and distribution; use, re-use, maintenance; recycling, and final disposal.
Pollution Prevention as defined by IDEM.
A. Any practice that:
o Reduces the amount of any hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant entering any waste stream or otherwise released into the environment (including fugitive emissions) prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal, and Reduces the hazards to public health and the environment associated with the release of such substances, pollutants, or contaminants
Some examples of past projects including topcoat spray booths from the standard open updraft booths to fully enclosed downdraft booths similar to those used in the automotive industry. This system filters all incoming air to eliminate airborne dust and/or dirt particulates. The incoming and exhaust air flows are balanced creating a positive pressure inside the spray booth preventing dust or dirt from entering the open end entrances of the booth. Pioneered by OFS Brands, these booths are now used by other manufacturers as well, and many of these booths were installed by Stylfab, OFS Brands’ company owned metal works division.
OFS Brands is continuously looking at ways to improve product finish formulations, such as changing to high build solids in the topcoats eliminating the need for two coats and between coat sanding. In 2009 OFS Brands implemented a change to a new Urethane topcoat, Euroluxe™. The Euroluxe™ finish is a chemically re-engineered Urethane clear coat that preserves the beautiful depth and clarity of OFS Brands’ finishes, but allows for much greater performance with chemical and scratch resistance, as well as the complete elimination of dangerous formaldehyde emissions. The Euroluxe™ finish is applied with a premium patented spray process which is computer regulated to precisely control the timing and mixture of the sensitive materials. The unique chemical structure of the Euroluxe™ finish also allows for easy field repairs. This implementation resulted in the elimination of approximately 250 pounds of formaldehyde exposure annually. Tracking of these reductions is made possible through the ERA Environmental Consulting REGMET system.
These projects with the cooperation and assistance from our chemical and finish vendors have resulted in a reduction of the Chemicals of Concern within all Manufacturing facets. Although not all projects result in an immediate payback or cost savings, the implementation of Euroluxe™ has allowed OFS Brands to become Greenguard certified in all products, all brands creating the opportunity for our customers to successfully seek credit for low emitting materials system furniture and seating within the LEED rating systems.
Employees corporate wide are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions in regards to all aspects of Health, Safety, and Environmental related operations. Our employee involvement is indicative to the success of the organization, and an important part of the Environmental Management System and Environmental Managers Group.
