Norwalk goes 'green' in a variety of ways
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 30, 2007
Norwalk, Ohio — Custom upholstery maker and retailer Norwalk Furniture is going green wherever it can, switching to eco-friendly, 10% soy-based foam, and using recycled materials to meet its packaging and fuel needs.
Earlier this year, Norwalk began to use natural and renewable resources and recycled materials in its upholstery construction, including soy-based foam and reclaimed wire and steel in its seating systems, and natural fibers in its covers.
"We understand the need to bring products to market that not only promote health and well-being but also conservation of the environment," said President Rick McKirahan. "Norwalk's production systems not only maximize recycling efforts, but also use energy and resources sparingly."
The company uses 20 to 30 trailers of foam each week. Its product development team sought a green alternative to petroleum-based foam and found it in Preserve by Hickory Springs, a flexible polyurethane foam that replaces a portion of petrochemicals with soybeans, a sustainable and renewable resource.
All upholstery made at its facilities here now uses the soy-based foam.
With rising petroleum prices and concerns about raw material availability, the switch to the new foam was not only timely but delivers the same comfort and durability as before. "It's an important product in support of our green mission," McKirahan said.
Jeff Gross, Norwalk's product development director, called the soy-based foam "the most innovative cushioning material since the introduction of high-resilience foam in the 1980s." It outperforms conventional foam, he said.
Norwalk also uses water-based glue for its cushion components.
The company's eight-way fabricated seating system, called S3 COIL, relies on recycled wire and steel. This double-coil soft seating system uses only recycled wire and steel to provide support and comfort.
Norwalk also has opted for such natural fibers as cotton, linen and new wool, and no toxic substances are used in the processing of natural fibers.
Also, the company favors hardwood laminates made from faster-growing hardwoods. Gross said Norwalk has been a member of the Tennessee Forestry Assn. for more than 30 years, an organization that supports the use of "select" timber, forest growth, and planned hardwood usage.
Other earth-friendly practices include using 50% to 100% of recycled textiles and fibers in its cotton batting and fiber wrap, as well as using 100% recycled cardboard and packing materials.
Norwalk also uses biodiesel fuel in its vehicles.
