The Formway Environmental Strategy addresses all stages of our product life cycle. We implement the strategy with programs integrated across Formway business units.
For several years we have used Life Cycle Assessment studies to gain insights into product environmental impacts, to minimise the life cycle environmental impacts of our products, and to guide new product design.Our design teamsuse environmental factors and the availability of new environmental improved materials as sources of innovation and inspiration during product design and development. In addition to in-house Life Cycle Assessment expertise, we also commission studies and partner with RMIT Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the University of Auckland.
Our manufacturing sites are implementing an Environmental Management System according to the ISO14001 standard. Achieving ISO14001 is a key target for 2007. In New Zealand our progress towards an ISO certified scheme is externally audited by the NZ Enviro-Mark scheme.
We act responsibly within our own manufacturing operations, and we require the same level of environmental performance from our suppliers. Supply chain management requirements integrate environmental requirements and Formway is mindful of the solid waste impacts associated with the ‘churn’ of office interiors. Our products are designed for longevity and ease of re-upholstery to enable office interiors to be refreshed with minimal solid waste. We are committed to developing Product Stewardship solutions for our products which are eco-efficient and practical to implement with our customers.