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The recycling and remanufacturing industry began during the Depression as a way of
reducing production costs, especially in the automotive industry. World War II expanded
the scope of the recycling industry as many natural resources were diverted away
from the consumer to support the military. After World War II, the recycling and
remanufacturing industry continued to prosper; having proven that recycled products
provided a reliable and economical alternative to new products.
During the 1980s, the office furniture remanufacturing industry emerged, growing from
a handful of pioneers to several hundred companies across the United States. Today’s
furniture recyclers offer sophisticated manufacturing and distribution capabilities, contributing
more than $1.2 billion of the $13.6 billion to the commercial furniture industry.
Recycling paper, glass, aluminum cans and other everyday products is now standard
practice in many homes and offices across America. But many consumers are unaware
that office furniture can also be a recyclable product.
Think about it. The basic structure of most office furniture has a long life span. Instead
of wearing out, it is often replaced because it has simply “uglied out.” Color, fabric and
other elements typically become worn or outdated over time. In the past, an office
face-lift or a new color scheme meant that old furnishings were given a life sentence in
storage or doomed to the dumpster.
But not anymore. Today, remanufacturing and refurbishing diverts worn office furniture
out of the solid waste stream and back into the consumer market by restoring it to
“like new” condition. Worn parts are replaced, cabinets are repainted, desktops are refinished or replaced, and chairs and panels reupholstered. Furniture destined for the dump is instead looking and functioning, like new again.
And, there are other benefits as well. Not only does remanufactured furniture look as good and perform as well as new office furniture, but you can expect an average savings of 30 to 50 percent just by buying recycled! What benefits the environment can also benefit your bottom-line!
Today’s recycled or remanufactured office furniture offers an attractive alternative to purchasing new products. Whether you’re supplying your own furniture or refurbishing or purchasing “new” remanufactured furniture, you can be assured of a qualityproduct, a cost-effective product and most importantly, an environmentally-conscience product. What’s good for the environment really is good for your business! |
