MUSCATINE, IA--(Marketwire - June 11, 2007) - For more than 60 years, The HON Company has
led the office industry's environmental efforts. What began in 1947 as a
relentless pursuit of smart materials, rapid continuous improvement and
lean manufacturing has evolved into the development of high-quality,
sustainable solutions that perform equal to -- or better than -- their
traditional counterparts.
Continuing this tradition, the company is proud to announce its newest
environmental initiative, Nature Core™ fiberboard, a non-woven composite
material made from a blend of primarily natural and synthetic fibers. The
Nature Core fiberboard is made using a patent-pending process and will be
offered as an alternative construction material on The HON Company's
Initiate® panel systems. The announcement was made by Eric Jungbluth,
president of The HON Company.
Nature Core fiberboard offers a number of key features and benefits,
including:
-- Annually renewable agri-fiber
-- Very low formaldehyde emissions
-- Superior tackability and improved durability
-- Sound-blocking characteristics (STC) exceeding BIFMA standards
-- Class A fire rating
Initiate panel systems made with Nature Core and low-emitting work surfaces
are compliant with California Special Section 1350 specifications,
currently the most stringent and comprehensive indoor air quality
standards.
"The HON Company continuously strives to develop novel processes that offer
an environmental benefit while improving product performance," said Jim
Cahill, vice president of systems for The HON Company. "Nature Core is a
result of this commitment. Composed primarily of an annually renewable
material and with no added formaldehyde, Nature Core reduces emissions
while improving the structure and performance of our Initiate panel system.
It really is the best green story in the market."
Nature Core is made primarily from a natural fiber, kenaf, which can be
spun into coarse, strong threads and is second only to cotton in the volume
grown around the world. It has an established supply base and is available
from a variety of sources.
Cahill continued, "For years, kenaf has been used in automotive interiors
as insulation against road noise. But only The HON Company has been able to
render it suitable for use in panel systems."
How do they do it? The kenaf fibers are combined with a synthetic fiber
and are processed into roll goods. These roll goods are then treated in a
patent-pending process with smoke- and flame-retardant applications and are
processed into a rigid board stock.
"Our customers will appreciate all the benefits of traditional panel
systems, with additional emission and sustainability advantages... all
without an increase in cost," added Cahill.
Nature Core, which was developed by the HNI Corporation (
NYSE:
HNI), will
be standard on all of The HON Company's Initiate system tackable panels.
Nature Core began phasing into production in May 2007.
Initiate panels are for all office environments -- they can be used to
create everything from distinctive reception stations to sophisticated
executive offices. They are easy to afford; easy to specify; and easy to
install and reconfigure.
Additional benefits of Nature Core include its certification by the Indoor
Advantage™ Gold standard for indoor air quality by Scientific Certification
Systems (SCS). Products achieving Indoor Advantage Gold meet the most
rigorous criteria in the USA. It tests and certifies products for
compliance with USGBC LEED EQ4.5 (furniture and seating), USGBC LEED EQ4.1
(paints and coverings) and USGBC EQ4.2 (adhesives and sealants).
For more information about Nature Core, and other sustainable products and
services from The HON Company, visit
www.HON.com or
www.HONthinksgreen.com.
About The HON Company
The HON Company is a leader in the design and manufacturing of workplace
furniture including chairs, files, panel systems, and desks. Headquartered
in Muscatine, Iowa, The HON Company has numerous manufacturing facilities
strategically located throughout the United States, and markets its
products through a nationwide network of dealers and retailers. For more
information please visit
www.HON.com.
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Betsy Hoye
Advertising & Public Relations Manager
563.272.5690
HoyeB@honcompany.com
Jennifer Allanson
Kristi Stolarski
Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations
216.696.0229
jallanson@robertfalls.com
kstolarski@robertfalls.com
