BOCA RATON, FLA.—Hollander Home Fashions announced it will commit to an ambitious zero-waste goal for its manufacturing operations by 2010. The nation’s largest pillow manufacturer is the first company of its size in the home fashions industry to make such a bold commitment to environmental sustainability.
“A lot of companies are trying to be greener,” says CEO Jeff Hollander. “We are thinking more in terms of true sustainability. What we are doing is integrating a new way of thinking into our entire operation. Over the past 18 months, the company has engaged employees and experts to develop a holistic program that will help us reach our zero-waste goal.”
Every aspect of the Hollander operation from product design and manufacturing to packaging and shipping is being touched by the new strategy. “We are going to meet this goal while making our entire operation more efficient,” Hollander continued. “We are already seeing a measurable impact and hope other companies in our industry will follow suit and make the same commitment.”
Pillows Made from Plastic Bottles
Late last year, Hollander launched a line of pillows made from recycled plastic bottles that have proved to be a hit with consumers at Wal-Mart and other retailers. By producing these pillows from post consumer materials, Hollander keeps more than 11 million pounds of plastic bottles per year out of landfills. The company is also planning line extensions in mattress pads and comforters, all concentrating on eco-friendly fabrics, packaging, and recycled fiber.
Hollander’s recycling programs are also shifting into high gear and have been expanded at its manufacturing plants to include corrugate, bale wrappings, plastic strapping, soda bottles, cans and paper. Material used to package and ship the bales of fiber to the company is being recycled at all of Hollander’s facilities and totals more than 250,000 pounds annually.
Through new, sustainable packaging techniques, Hollander is reducing its footprint by eliminating 4.2 million square feet of corrugate, and 2.3 million cubic feet of shipping space, resulting in more than 400 fewer truckloads used for product shipments.
Regarding transportation, 68 percent of Hollander’s inbound freight is now being moved by U.S. EPA-certified SmartWay partners. In the first six months of this year, the company received more than 11.8 million pounds of inbound raw materials by SmartWay carriers, each with their own aggressive commitments to reduce emissions. Hollander Home Fashions will be releasing its first sustainability report in early 2009.
Go to Hollander.
