(ARPRO) Expanded Polypropylene

Description:

Almost all of the impact from ARPROmaterial inputs or the moulding process. This is explained by the fact that the mainmaterial input for ARPROproduct of “cracking” naptha – a derivative of crude oil and an energy-intensive process)and (steam-chest) moulding which requires generation of high pressure steam.The contribution to the total potential impact of ARPROinputs and moulding) is therefore relatively small and electricity generation is responsiblefor the majority of the remaining potential impacts.The CO2 where CO2 The impacts from the moulding phase are mainly due to the extraction and combustion offuel and, to a lesser extent, the generation of electricity. Compared to actual ARPRO  production is the result of either ARPRO®’s raw is polypropylene (propylene and therefore polypropylene is a® production (excluding material2 used in ARPRO production is sourced from other manufacturing industries2 is a by-product and is therefore already a recovered product. production, the moulding phase is more energy intensive.The wireframe production is responsible for the majority of the total potentialenvironmental impact in the remaining three out of the nine impact categories presented.The production of steel and polyamide (a polymer coating on the steel frame) dominatethe potential impacts of wireframe production in all categories. It should be rememberedthat the alternative design solution uses far more (more than 10 times more) steel.The end of life stage of the seat core life cycle is insignificant relative to other life cyclestages. It should also be noted that ARPRO is 100% recyclable

Content:

Life cycle assessment is the most widely recognised technique to assess the environmental impacts of aproduct or service. In the case of ARPRO, this means assessment:

From raw material supply, Through the point of use, Applied correctly, a life cycle assessment will improve environmental awareness and performance throughoutthe production chain, demonstrating where raw material, resource and energy consumption can beminimised as well as minimising disposal and management costs and eliminating environmental exposuresand liabilities.To end of life (recycling or disposal)

Application:

seating itself, replacing the traditional metal structure andflexible vehicle platform.‘s mechanical properties enable the seat-core to be incorporated into thecontributing to a more

Sustainability:

Calculating global warming potential for an ARPRO® seat-core shows an environmental benefit to impact ratio of 12:1. An environmental saving of nearly 16 million tonnes of CO2(e) could be achieved.  Just changing the seat enables net reduction in CO2(e) of 2.65 g/km, over 13 per cent of the 2012 EU target reduction. CO2(e) savings result from the ability to deliver component weight reductions of up to 35 percent.

Filed under: Materials, Skins, Energy Efficient, interior, walls

Kirei Board

Description:

Kirei Board is strong, lightwaight, durable, environmentally friendly subsitute for wood – usable for cabinetry, furniture, casework and interior design elements.  Manufactured from reclaimed sorghum straw and no-added formaldahyde adhesive, Kirei board brings a beautiful new element to modern interior design.

Applications:

Usable for Canietry, furniture, casework and interior design elements.  Architecturaal Millwork, wall coverings, retail displays, flooring, restaurant and hotel use is common.

Environmental Impacts:

Kirei board reduces forest clear-cutting, air pollution and landfill use.  The sorghum stalks used in the manufacture of the Kirei board are a rapidly renewable resource left after the edible portion of the plant is harvested.  Until now, these stalks have been discarded or burned, adding to landfill waste and pollution.  In addition Kirei board is using a non-toxic adhesive that does not emit toxic formaldehyde.

Filed under: Materials, interior, Reclaimed, sorghum straw, wood

Quartz Carpet

Description:

A resilient and slip resistant floor covering, Quartz Carpet™ combines natural quartz granules with an epoxy resin and finished with various textures. Quartz Carpet™ is the result of more than 25 years of product development. The unique Quartz Carpet™ coating system of quartz granules ensures uniform color. The color is UV stable, therefore it will not fade and is available in more than 1000 color options.  There are 20 standard colors in granule sizes ranging from a super fine (0.1-0.3mm) to larger, open pore structures (3-5mm).

Applications:

Quartz Carpet™ can be installed over existing concrete, tiles and plywood surfaces, with virtually no limitations in design and application procedures. It can be applied in a variety of architectural uses including commercial, residential, industrial, recreational and institutional.  Quartz Carpet™ is suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Benefits of the System:

An almost infinite color range (special colors upon request).  The visual appeal of a seamless surface.  Durability and practicality in a high traffic, commercial locations.  Anti slip texture.  Stain resistance.  25 year projected life.  Easy to maintain.  Natural beauty.  Totally seamless.

Filed under: Materials, carpet, color, exterior, interior, natural

X-Bond System

Description:

The globally recognized X-Bond System is a water based, cementious overlay. The hand trowelled mix combines an engineered liquid polymer with sand and cement. The Alternative Surfaces X-Bond System creates a unique, UV resistant, matt or gloss concrete finish that is suitable for interior or exterior applications. It can be used in spaces that flow from inside to outside.  Combined with a range of staining and sealing applications, Alternative Surfaces X-Bond System creates a unique look. A contemporary color palate ranges from muted tones to accent colors. All X-Bond colors show natural tonal variations with a subtle translucency.

Applications:

The interior and exterior applications of the Alternative Surfaces X-Bond System is practically unlimited. X-Bond can be applied to floors, walls or furniture, including where a pre-cast concrete look is desired but pre cast concrete may have been too heavy or costly.

Benefits of the System:

The visual appeal of a seamless trowelled surface and semi-transparent color.  The soft appearance and warmth underfoot.  The fact that with a set down of up to 6mm, it could be applied to match varying floor and diffuser levels.   Excellent strength and flexibility.  Low maintenance.

Filed under: Materials, cement, interior, sand, sealant, stain

DuraPalm

Description:

Durapalm products are unique in the panel and flooring industries, both for their exotic grain and their source: reclaimed palms that are past their fruit-bearing years. Durapalm ranges in color from dark to medium-red mahogany and is available as a plywood, flooring, paneling and veneer product. It is appropriate for both commercial and residential environments, and all Durapalm products are urea formaldehyde-free. This plywood can be cut and sanded using conventional woodworking equipment. It can also be glued or mechanically fastened using the same materials and fasteners commonly used with wood.

Applications:

Available as a flat, edge or end grain product, Durapalm accepts stains and finishes very well.  Can be used for flooring, paneling and plywood applications.

Environmental Impacts:

Durapalm architectural plywood is made from coconut or sugar palms that are past their fruit-bearing years.

Filed under: Materials, flooring, interior, natural, palm, paneling, plywood, Recycled, wood

SeaStone

Description:

SeaStone^® products are manufactured, cementitious stones containing a mixture of natural fossil shells and aggregates. These beautiful stones are engineered for residential, commercial, interior, exterior, horizontal, vertical, wet and dry installations.

Application:

The full line of matching edging and trim (including bullnose, demi, bevel, coping, stair treads and risers, cove base, backsplashes, wall caps, etc.) provides limitless design capabilities. Typical installation locations include hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, businesses, condominiums, homes, and estates. Areas of installation are unlimited, including lobbies, walkways, balconies, pools, decks, fountains, bathrooms, patios, and overall floor and wall applications. The enhanced manufacturing process applies tons of pressure to each unit, fusing the aggregates and stones together. This unique process ensures a more durable product with higher compression strength and low water absorption qualities.

For Interior/Exterior, Wet/Dry, and Floor/Wall Applications

Freeze/Thaw stable (ASTM C1026, C373, C39, C482, C485)

Slip Resistant, dry or wet, COF is >0.65 (ASTM D-1028-84)

Stain, mold, mildew, and wear resistant (with proper sealing)

Cost effective due to versatility of use

Approved for standard installation techniques (Mapei and Laticrete)

Eco-friendly, Emerald Award winner for Green Products and Practices

Environmental Impacts:

SeaStone is a eco-friendly product using recycled glass, natural shells, and aggregates that help protect the environment by reducing the need for mining natural stones. As a manufactured stone, SeaStone helps to protect the environment by serving as alternative green product to mined stone. The shell and other marine fossils that form the foundation of the SeaStone tile product are natural fossil waste products derived regionally and outside the United States. SeaStone utilizes tumbled waste glass from glass manufacturers in its product line. The result is eco-friendly tile product that reveals the translucent, light refracting qualities of glass and natural beauty of shell.

Filed under: Materials, exterior, flooring, interior, Recycled, shell, stone, wall

Innovations Wallcovers

Description:

Wallcovers are made from natural plant fibers. Valencia is breathable, biodegradable with traditional look of raffia, available in 10 colorways. The inherent vertical striation in textured weave gives distinctive character and depth.

Applications:

These natural wallcovers can be used as appliqués on most surfaces when combined with sufficient, specific natural sealant depending on desired use and frequency of use.

Environmental Impacts:

The wallcovers from Innovations are made from plant fibers, wood pulp, recycled paper and many other natural and recycled materials depending on the type chosen.

Filed under: Materials, Fabric, interior, natural, plants, wall

Reclaimed Wood

Description:

“Deconstruction” is the core of the reclaimed wood industry. The emphasis is on utilizing materials that have outlived their usefulness and would otherwise be demolished, discarded or left to decay. Deconstruction helps to close the resource loop that we now realize is so valuable in this world of finite resources. In recycling this precious material there is a significant positive environmental impact, and we are proud of that!  Deconstruction differs from ‘demolition’ in that it is a painstaking process involving the selective dismantlement of building components. Our experts carefully manage dismantling projects to preserve the grand dimensions of the beams, posts and floor joists; this will be reflected in your floor as we work to maintain the superior widths and lengths of these ancient timbers.

Applications:

Reclaimed wood can be used for cabinetry, flooring, countertops, furniture, as well as structurally such as exterior and interior walls and even decoration.

Environmental Impact:

When referring to reclaimed wood there is usually a discussion about old growth versus reclaimed.  Old Growth refers to established forests that, up until the time trees are cut, have had little or no disruption. Advocates of cutting old growth timbers suggest that pruning selected trees is good for the forest.  We disagree.  Old growth forests maintain themselves through a natural process that does not include cutting into the delicate fabric woven by nature. How Old is “Old” Growth? The actual age that determines “old” growth varies depending on the specie, but it refers to the age at which a tree has reached its maturity. For an eastern white pine, it is between 130-150 years, while many of the hardwoods reach maturity at 80 years. But, what is most important is that at maturity and thereafter the old growth tree is still contributing to the ecosystem in which it lives. The buildings where we find our reclaimed wood may outlive their usefulness, but a living tree never does!

Filed under: Materials, exterior, interior, natural, Reclaimed, wood

PaperStone

Description:

Most PaperStone products are made from post-consumer waste, recycled paper and proprietary, petroleum-free, phenolic resins. Organic pigments assure superior UV resistance, color stability and even color distribution through the entire panel. There are two series of recycled paper-based PaperStone products: 1) ‘Original’, which is made from 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard and 2) ‘Certified’, is made from 100% post-consumer standard office paper. It has been certified through the Smartwood program of the Rainforest Alliance to meet FSC standards. Paperstone made from virgin fiber is also available. PaperStone is a composite made from recycled paper and proprietary, petroleum-free phenolic resins made from raw materials like cashew nut shell liquid.

Applications:

PaperStone Certified is a beautiful and heavy-duty solid surface known for its performance, its warm touch, its contemporary appearance and its environmental sustainability. Specifying PaperStone can contribute to multiple LEED points. PaperStone is durable and is recommended for residential kitchen and bath and commercial uses.  There are also manufacturers who use Paperstone  technology to create EcoClad exterior building systems.

Environmental Impact:

A 1″ by 60″ by 144″ slab of PaperStone Certified (versus a regular phenolic composite manufactured from virgin fiber and a regular, commercially available, solvent-based resin) saves:

1233 gallons of water

2.03 million BTU’s of energy

131 pounds of solid waste

254 pounds of greenhouse gases

55 pounds of petroleum-based phenol

22 pounds of natural gas-based methanol

Original PaperStone, with a 50% post-consumer recycled content product (versus 100% for PaperStone Certified), saves a similar amount of phenol, methanol and 50% of the water, energy, solid waste and greenhouse gases listed above.

Filed under: Materials, cladding, exterior, furniture, interior, papertsone, Recycled