GAR Products® is a company born in tradition and we have distinguished ourselves as a source for modern day needs. By integrating traditional manufacturing with unique, green initiatives we have set ourselves apart from our competitors. We design, develop and manufacture products with constant awareness of environmental concerns. GAR Products® is respectful of the consumer’s desire to contribute to the protection of the environment and it is our responsibility to offer products that meet this need. Without the understanding of today’s ecological issues it would be impossible for a company to forecast the market’s demands. Sustainable development marries two important themes: that environmental protection does not preclude economic development and that economic development must be ecologically viable now and in the future. Common use of the term “sustainability” began with the 1987 publication of the World Commission on Environment and Development report, Our Common Future. Also known as the Brundtland Report, this document defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This concept of sustainability encompasses ideas, aspirations and values that continue to inspire public and private organizations to become better stewards of the environment and that promote positive economic growth and social objectives.
We are proud to say that ALL of our Indoor Chairs have received Indoor Air Quality Certification from the GREENGUARD® Environmental Institute without any need to change our existing environ-mentally aware processes. The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has established performance based standards to define goods with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors, primarily building materials, interior furnishings, furniture, cleaning and maintenance products, electronic equipment, and personal care products. The standard establishes certification procedures including test methods, allowable emissions levels, product sample collection and handling, testing type and frequency, and program application processes and acceptance. If you are focused on healthy and green design, this is a significant accomplishment to receive across the full GAR Products offering. GREENGUARD® and LEED Certification GREENGUARD certified furniture may be used towards LEED credit attainment in a variety of scenarios. We are happy to work with you and GREENGUARD to support the details and requirements for your next LEED certified project.
In our Contract Collection, we use 100% European Beech wood in all of our chair construction, certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Foam-towood glue is water based with no VOC’s. Wood-to-wood glue is the lowest VOC available on the market. Our table bases are all certified to be 100% lead free and use cast iron spiders that maintain the greatest strength and durability available.
As of November 2006, GAR Products® began purchasing 100% of its power through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from 3 Phases Energy. In 2023 we converted all our fluorescent lighting to LED lights. As a result, these two initiatives combine to prevent 1.075 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
GAR Products’® in-house, Ultra Violet (UV) Finishing line is the most uniquely automated, three dimensional Ultra Violet finishing system in the industry. By combining UV technology with an automated electrostatic application, GAR Products® offers the finest custom finishing available. Our exclusive UV Finish consists of 97% solids, all of which are captured in our system. As a result of our environmentally friendly operations, GAR Products® has been certified under the NJ DEP’s “Green Start” Program.
