Tualatin, OR (May 2005) — Already an industry leader in environmental sustainability, Hartmann & Forbes has launched Project-Green™. The effort by the maker of custom natural window coverings broadly expands the company's aggressive environmental policies and procedures.
As a part of Project-Green, Hartmann & Forbes will work with the University of Oregon's Lundquist College of Business to further improve its innovative, environmentally sensitive stream of production. With the support of the Lundquist College's Sustainable Supply Chain Management initiative, Hartmann & Forbes will develop a strategy to close the loop in their manufacturing process so that responsibly harvested organic products end their life cycle by being returned to the ambient environment. According to a prominent environmental management scholar, they're already off to a good start.
"When Hartmann & Forbes approached us about helping them develop Project-Green, we were surprised and very pleased to see how far the company's environmental efforts have progressed," said Michael Russo, Professor and Department Head of the Lundquist College's Management Department. "It is rare to see durable products that have so little environmental impact over their life cycles."
In its first major endeavor under Project-Green, Hartmann & Forbes is developing a take-back initiative in which customers can send back used organic window coverings so the company can turn the material into compost at a local Oregon recycling facility. This means Hartmann &
Forbes' products will have a life cycle that begins with natural, organic materials such as bamboos, grasses, jutes and river reeds; are grown and harvested exclusively from well-managed, sustainable eco-systems; are woven by hand and made into custom window coverings; and, in the end, are disposed of in a manner that is equally respectful of the environment. "This takes our product from cradle to cradle," said founder Michael Jones.
Jones is personally committed to Hartmann & Forbes becoming a corporate leader in environmental responsibility - a nod to his Portland roots. "Growing up in Oregon means that caring about the environment isn't just a good idea, it is a way of life," says Jones. "A lot of firms strive only to meet benchmarks, but we understand the importance of constant evolution to remaining an eco-friendly company. That's what Project-Green is all about: ensuring we strive to do more."
Nine New Patterns of Project-Green
The first product launch under Project-Green is the release of nine new weaves specifically designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The weaves are made from rapidly renewable materials including bamboos, grasses and river reeds. To obtain their unique and rich color ways, the organic fibers are either harvested after being naturally seasoned in the sun to specific colors, or are organically cured using ancient techniques. Like most of Hartmann & Forbes' weaves, the fibers are woven using a hand loom, and then handcrafted into custom window coverings in Hartmann & Forbes' Pacific Northwest finishing facility.
Company Background
Hartmann & Forbes is an independent company dedicated to preserving ancient handcrafting traditions through modern and innovative designs. The company specializes in fine, handwoven roman shades, bamboo cornices, the industry's only handwoven draperies and its exclusive PanelScreen™. Founded in 1998 by company founder Michael Jones, Hartmann & Forbes prides itself on superior craftsmanship, design integrity and the preservation of natural resources. Hartmann & Forbes window coverings are available through an impressive network of high-end showrooms in most major U.S. cities. The company's website can be found at www.hfshades.com.
