Sustainability > Environmental benefits

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS > are achieved step by step > a brief overview of environmental benefits which Gispen has achieved in recent years >

PRODUCT FINISHING > thanks to a combination of techniques, a wastewaterfree pretreatment process was developed in the painting facility > the use of powder paints benefited the environment > benefits from new powder paint facility: all overspray is captured and reused > coatings are free of heavy metals (zinc, chrome, lead, cadmium) > thanks to reuse of powder paint, effective paint use of 99% has been achieved <

PRODUCT TRANSPORT > Gispen furniture is delivered to the client and assembled on site > truck loading capacity is optimised through plano or modular construction wherever possible > shipping is regionally distributed > a software program determines the most efficient routes in time and fuel consumption > specially developed ‘wine rack system’ has enabled packagingfree transport of table legs > preformed polyethylene foam blocks made of recycled materials protect the legs during transport <

Gispen has developed a unique ‘multibag’ system > packaging of desk tops is no longer necessary > from supplier to Gispen as well as from Gispen to the client > products are stored hanging in plastic ‘suspension files’ > Advantages of multibag system: cost savings in handling and transport (around 25%), saving in use of packaging materials, improvements with regard to health and safety (less handling of heavy tops) > guaranteed 100% takeback and reuse of packaging materials still used > result: only 1% waste <

TAKE- BACK AND REUSE Reuse of office furniture benefits the environment in many area’s > takeback of furniture is not yet statutory, but is incorporated in covenants, quality marks, requests for quotes and European tenders > office furniture with medium environmental impact is expected to be subject to statutory takeback legislation soon > like prominent manufacturers, Gispen has already drawn up a takeback policy > products are developed here from concept phase (repairability, “designbeforeassembly”) > Gispen stimulates reuse wherever possible > where necessary the furniture is updated (known as “revitalization”)> other furniture is separated (metal, wood, plastic) and recycled >