The impact of waste on our natural environment is nothing less than staggering. Harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses are being released from rubbish in our landfill sites, while habitat destruction and global warming are a direct result of deforestation and overuse of our energy supply due to the manufacturing of raw materials.

Most of the materials disposed of in a garbage bin can last in the environment for hundreds to thousands of years creating toxins and pollutants that are harmful to our environment, animals and ultimately, ourselves.

The connection between protecting our environment and safeguarding human health has been at the forefront for some time now. In recent years, research and legislation have been identifying and working to regulate environmental toxins to reduce or eliminate harmful human exposures.

Americans have taken notice and are doing their part by hauling more than 82 million tons of trash to recycling centers each year. However, it doesn’t stop there. According to a recent survey, nearly 83 percent of Americans say they feel better when buying products made from recycled plastics or other recycled materials. This contribution helps to reduce pollution caused by waste, reduces the need for raw materials and aids in the preservation of both rainforests and natural resources.

In order to address this worldwide issue, some manufacturers are practicing sustainable manufacturing, creating products through processes that conserve energy and natural resources while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Supporting a Healthier Environment

At Scranton Products’ we are committed to reducing environmental impact and supporting a healthier environment. That’s why all of our products are made from recycled materials and are themselves 100% recyclable. Constructed from premium, American-made HDPE plastic, our products are designed to meet LEED requirements and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means they meet the strict certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities.

If you are interested in quality building products that support a healthier environment, please visit our website and learn more about our sustainable brands and our corporate commitment to the environment.

Many common building materials, such as paint and carpeting, emit chemicals during and after installation, which can compromise indoor air quality. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), most people receive 72 percent of their exposure to potentially hazardous air pollutants at home – the one place where most of us feel the safest.

Some of the substances being released into home or office buildings include organic chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, acetaldehyde, and toluene, which are referred to as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) because they off-gas readily into the air.

VOCs are the most common contaminant of indoor air, with concentrations up to 10 times higher indoors than outdoors, according to the EPA. In fact, most of our exposure to environmental pollutants takes place when we breathe indoor air, which can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outdoor air. This is a significant concern, because people spend the vast majority of their time indoors, where they are exposed to indoor air pollutants as they sleep, work, or go to school.

So how do VOCs get into our homes? Most of the VOCs that we are exposed to on a daily basis are commonly found in manufactured wood products such as composites; flooring and carpeting; ceiling, wall, thermal and acoustic insulation; interior paints; interior adhesives and sealants; and furniture and upholstery.

The largest concentration of VOCs is typically released when a product is first installed, with emissions diminishing over time. Products that are applied wet, such as adhesives and paints, usually release large quantities of VOCs during the first few days or weeks after application. After that, the emissions taper off quickly. On the other hand, solid materials such as wood products, furniture, or flooring may have relatively low initial VOC emissions, but because it takes longer for these emissions to taper off, they may contribute to long-term air quality issues.

Health Effects

VOCs are associated with a range of health effects. Short-term exposure to VOCs can result in “Sick Building Syndrome,” with large groups of building occupants reporting symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, and dizziness. Longer term exposure – referred to as “Building Related Illnesses” – can result in nervous system, kidney and liver damage, and can lead to cancer. Children, seniors, and people with respiratory problems are at particular risk of a serious reaction from exposure to VOCs. In some cases, exposure to VOCs may trigger “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity,” stimulating higher sensitivity to other chemicals.

VOCs can also react with nitrogen oxides (NOx) in sunlight to create ozone, which can cause eye and bronchial irritation. This has prompted the initiation of regulatory restrictions of VOCs. The EPA regulates VOCs in air, water, and land, while the Safe Water Drinking Act sets maximum contaminant level standards for several organic compounds in public water systems. Although OSHA regulates VOC exposure in the workplace, VOC exposure is not regulated in non-industrial indoor air.

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

A clearer understanding of the health impacts of these chemicals combined with more sophisticated testing technologies has led to more stringent health-based standards to screen materials based on their effect on indoor environmental quality. In addition, product certification programs such as GREENGUARD and Indoor Advantage, as well as industry specific certification programs are having a significant impact on improving indoor air quality.

As concerns both with air quality and with the health risks associated with these chemicals has grown, the demand for low-VOC and No-VOC products has dramatically increased. Low-emitting products are now widely available, making it easier for architects, designers and facilities managers to specify healthier, more sustainable products and materials for their projects.

 

Considerations in Selecting Building Products and Materials

Because we spend so much of our time indoors, our health depends on improving the quality of indoor air. According to the USEPA, the best strategy to limit chemical exposure and reduce indoor air pollution is source control.  This includes selecting products such as GREENGUARD Certified products that have been tested and certified for low chemical emissions. GREENGUARD Certified products are tested for more than 10,000 chemicals to ensure their safe use indoors, and these products are listed on the free UL SPOT database.

 

Low emitting products and materials offer multiple benefits:

  • They do not release significant pollutants into the indoor environment.
  • They reduce the symptoms of sick building syndrome, including headaches, fatigue, eye and respiratory irritation, dizziness, and other symptoms.
  • They reduce pollution of natural waterways.
  • And they improve worker safety and health.

 

When selecting building products and materials, architects, designers, facilities managers, and builders, have an opportunity to choose products and materials that can enhance air quality, improve human health, and protect the environment. Selecting low emission products and materials can also help projects achieve LEED credits, an important consideration in the design and construction of sustainable structures.

LEED lists seven different categories for interior and exterior features to achieve compliance for certification pertaining to VOC. These categories include:

  • Interior Paints
  • Interior adhesives and sealants
  • Flooring
  • Composite wood
  • Ceilings, walls, thermal and acoustic insulation
  • Furniture

To achieve LEED credit, products such as adhesives, sealants, interior paints, and furniture must reach a threshold of 90% low-VOC.

In addition to achieving VOC compliance, a sustainably designed building will incorporate products and materials, which can be reused or recycled upon the end of the product’s life, or the life of the building, reducing the amount of waste that enters landfills.

Supporting a Healthier Environment

At Scranton Products, we believe in supporting a healthier environment. As a leading manufacturer of toilet partitions, lockers and other HDPE (high density polyethylene) products, Scranton Products adheres to the highest standards, developing low emitting products that meet LEED requirements for air quality and sustainability, as well as meeting GREENGUARD emissions standards.

 

Our products are free of VOC emissions, are eligible for LEED credits pertaining to VOCs, and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meeting strict certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities. In addition, all of our products are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.

 

By selecting low emitting products made with Scranton Products HDPE, architects, designers, facilities managers, and builders can help to improve the indoor air quality of their projects while reducing environmental impact.

 

For more information on Scranton Products low-emitting, sustainable products, click on the link below.

 

As landfills continue to grow at a rate the country is trying to keep pace with, small businesses across the US as well as in other countries are finding ways to repurpose one of the items found readily in those landfills – plastic. Most plastics are made of organic polymers, with a high molecular mass, but are also combined with chemicals and other synthetic materials, that do not make them suitable for recycling. Other plastics like polylactic acid (PLA) and high density polyetylene (HDPE) are suitable for making renewable products that allow us to reduce our carbon footprint.

 

Here in the US, and in other developed countries, recycled plastics are being used to manufacture a wide variety of commercial items and products, including: milk jugs and plastic bottles; plastic decking and outdoor furniture; lawn and garden products; toilet partitions; cutting boards; storage lockers; playground equipment; building construction; office products; automobile parts, carpeting; and even clothing. And thanks to our human ingenuity and creativity, plastics are being considered for use in other unusual ways, even for making roadways. “The Plastic Road” is a project concept developed by an engineering firm in Europe. They expect to have a usable case study by the end of this year.

 

The state of Texas has also been used as a pilot state for a similar use of recycled plastics. Dykes Paving,  an Atlanta based small business, holds several patents in recycling inventions. The firm conducted a study to find an innovative way to use recycled plastic bottles to reduce the costs of the state’s road repair bills. Because much of the state’s vast network of roads is built from clay, which causes the roads to crack and buckle, the idea was to support the crumbling clay using recycled plastic bottles as “pins”. This would provide sustainable materials for long-term use, and lessen both the environmental impact as well as the financial burden on the state. This small business is not alone in its innovative thinking by using plastic products as they relate to sustainability.

 

Because of its strength, durability and ease of recyling, one of the most commonly used plastics in the U.S. in the manufacture of products made from recycled plastic is HDPE, labeled #2 for recycling purposes.

 

An industry leader in the manufacture of products made from recycled HDPE, Scranton Products is committed to developing and using sustainable building products that reduce plastic waste and keep it from landfills. We manufacture high quality bathroom partitions, lockers and other products that offer many advantages due to the inherent strengths of HDPE plastic. These products will never absorb moisture; are dent and scratch resistant; don’t support the growth of mold or bacteria; never need painting; and are 100% recyclable.

If you are interested in sustainability, and wish to learn more about our products and our corporate commitment to people and our planet, please visit our website.

Managing a facility isn’t always the easiest job because you need to stay on top of everything. As a facility manager, you have strict codes and guidelines to adhere to in order to supply your occupants with a safe and healthy environment.

To properly follow through on the maintenance of your facility, we’ll provide you with some crucial tips so you can ensure that your building is a safe environment that runs as efficiently as possible.

Guidelines for Standard Maintenance

It’s important to always be a step ahead of maintenance. To do so, it’s strongly advised that you perform system checks every few months. Check your heating system, water pumps, and electrical systems to make sure that everything is in order and that the systems are performing as expected.

When you perform your inspections, don’t leave any stones unturned. It’s important to be thorough in your examinations because you could spot a slight issue that, if left unchecked, could result in serious problems. By checking these systems and spotting any issues, you’ll save yourself a ton in future repair costs.

Preventive maintenance is key to averting severe damage of system failures because you can effectively catch the issue before it becomes financially taxing. You’ll want to:

  • Check your heating system
  • Evaluate your water system
  • Assess the electrical systems

Improving & Maintaining Indoor Air Quality

Many factors can have a detrimental effect on your indoor air quality. Common sources include pollen, dust, and fungal spores. You can help to combat these pollutants in a variety of ways.

Never underestimate the value of a floor mat. This is your first line of defense in preventing these pollutants from making their way from occupant shoes into your building. Placing a floor mat on the exterior of your building and directly inside the entryway or lobby will help to reduce these materials from working their way into your air.

One of the hot spots for poor air quality can be found in your facility’s bathrooms. Due to the heavy foot traffic and the abundance of moisture and humidity, the restrooms can be a breeding ground for pollutants. Luckily, there are several steps to increase the air quality of your restrooms.

Automatic air fresheners can be effective for combatting the odors, but the problem may be within your bathroom stalls.

Most plastics can absorb moisture and sprout mold, further reducing the quality of your air. So think about getting new bathroom stalls and partitions made of stronger materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE materials are impervious to mold growth and provide a durable structure that can outlast most plastics.

Make Your Facility Sustainable & Efficient

It’s every facility manager’s goal to make his or her building more sustainable and operate at maximum efficiency. There are several things you can do to increase the efficiency of your facility and make it more sustainable and eco-friendly. Some of these steps can help to reduce operating costs as well as reduce your facility’s environmental impact.

Making the switch to green cleaning materials has several benefits because they’re made from natural ingredients, which can reduce the adverse health effects and chronic illness. Using green cleaning products will help to reduce any VOC emissions from contaminating your air.

Another approach to keeping your building efficient and sustainable is through the use of sustainable building products. You learned earlier that HDPE is more durable than most thermoplastics and building materials. But did you know that it’s 100% recyclable too? Almost all HDPE products are made from post-consumer material, making it a versatile and sustainable building material you can use to make your facility more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Want to learn more tips about maintaining your facility? Check out these blog posts, How HDPE Can Save Your Facility Maintenance Costs and Maintenance Tips for Commercial Restrooms

Industry leaders offer a unique value to their clients.

It starts with a razor-sharp focus on their clients’ most important issues. Industry leaders dig deep into these issues and come up with innovative ways to solve them. They also know that innovation is more than coming up with great ideas. Industry leaders know how to innovate. They excel in operational execution and have the methodologies and processes in place to deliver value consistently to their customers.

As North America’s leading manufacturer of HDPE bathroom partitions and lockers, Scranton Products is a proven industry leader, focused on responsive innovation, and offering our customers quality products that are built and tested to the highest standards.

What drives innovation at Scranton Products? It is understanding the needs of our customers – the need for high-value

As a market leader, our products are built to stand up to the harshest environments and are backed by Scranton Products’ industry-leading warranties, so you can rest easy that your investment is protected for years to come.

As a market leader, we are committed to sustainability. All of our products are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable. They are also free of VOC emissions and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified. In addition, throughout our manufacturing process, we’re conscious of our impact on the environment and practice factory-responsible recycling.

As a market leader, we are a true partner to our clients, offering responsive innovation, cutting edge solutions, unsurpassed product quality, excellent customer support, and one of the largest distribution networks in the industry.

To learn more about Scranton Products and the unique value we offer our clients, please visit: https://www.scrantonproducts.com/products/

 

That new paint and carpet smell in a home, school or building isn’t just annoying. It can actually be hazardous to your health. Many of the building materials we use every day emit chemicals during and after installation. This includes materials such as:

Purple Duralife Lockers Colors

  • Interior paints
  • Interior adhesives and sealants
  • Flooring and carpeting
  • Manufactured wood products
  • Furniture and upholstery
  • Ceilings, walls, thermal and acoustic insulation

What these materials have in common is that they all contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The most common contaminant of indoor air, VOCs are associated with a range of health effects, and can be a particular concern for children, seniors, and people with respiratory problems.

 

Selecting Low VOC and No VOC Products and Materials

The good news is that many low VOC and no VOC products are now widely available, making it easier for architects, designers and facilities managers to include low emitting products and materials in the design of their projects.

Selecting low emission products and materials not only improves human health and protects the environment, it can also help projects achieve LEED credits, an important consideration in today’s design and construction.

At Scranton Products, we believe in supporting a healthier environment. As a leading manufacturer of lockers, toilet partitions, and other HDPE (high density polyethylene) products, Scranton Products adheres to the highest standards, developing low emitting products that meet LEED requirements for air quality and sustainability, as well as GREENGUARD emissions standards.

Our products are free of VOC emissions, are eligible for LEED credits, and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meeting strict certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities. In addition, all of our products are made from recycled materials and are 100% recyclable.

By selecting low emitting products made with Scranton Products HDPE, architects, designers and facilities managers can help to improve the indoor air quality of their projects while reducing environmental impact.

For more information on selecting Scranton Products low-emitting, sustainable products for your project, click on the link below.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized “green” building certification. LEED certification standards lead to a safer, greener, cleaner and more energy efficient environment within the building where they are applied. With a certification process more than 25 years in the making, LEED has grown to become the most widely used green building rating system in the world. As a process, it offers third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at reducing energy and water usage, promoting better indoor air quality, and improving quality of life.

 

Third Party Verification System

As an internationally recognized third-party verification system, LEED influences how buildings and communities are planned, constructed, maintained and operated. In order for a building project to earn LEED Certification, it must meet certain criteria and goals within the following categories:

Location and Transportation – how close a project is to mass transit
Materials and Resources – use of locally sourced, sustainable products
Water Efficiency – reducing potable water usage
Energy and Atmosphere – improving energy performance and indoor air quality
Sustainable Sites – utilizing nearby natural resources and ecosystems that can naturally take part of the design, minimizing environmental pollution
Regional Priority Credits – addressing a particular concern based on location
Innovation – any idea not covered under the main LEED areas

Each of these credit categories contains a varied series of suggested opportunities. The building project earns points when it properly uses and integrates these opportunities. The LEED certification is applicable to both residential and commercial construction, and projects can earn one of four certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum.

 

Image used with the permission of the U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. under its “Limited License” provision

 

Benefits Of LEED Certification

 

Any project, at any stage in development, can pursue LEED certification. Although LEED-certified projects typically have a higher initial investment because of stricter standards for construction, materials and labor, this initial investment can be recovered with lower operating costs. According to a study conducted by the New Building Institute, LEED buildings average a 24 percent decrease in energy consumption. In addition to reduced energy and water usage, LEED buildings also provide substantial reductions in costs associated with building maintenance, management of construction waste, and liability.

LEED-certified buildings also offer many other benefits. Typically built with occupant comfort in mind, these buildings offer increased sunlight, open spaces, and significantly better air quality, creating healthier, more comfortable, and very attractive places to live, work or play. For communities, having a LEED certified building not only reinforces the community’s commitment to sustainability, it also brings jobs to the community, since one of LEED’s best practices is utilizing local labor and materials wherever possible.

 

A Commitment to Sustainability
At Scranton Products, we believe in supporting a healthier environment and are focused on providing our customers innovative sustainable solutions that create a positive environmental impact.

 

Because our products are designed to meet specific LEED requirements, incorporating Scranton Products sustainable HDPE materials into your projects can contribute points toward LEED v4 certification in the following categories:

 

Material & Resources:

·    Recycled Content

·    REACH Optimization

·    Construction Waste Diversion

Indoor Air Quality:

·      Low Emitting Materials

·      Interior Lighting – Surface

·       Reflectance

 

For more information on our complete suite of sustainable products, please contact us to start a conversation today. All of our products are 100% recyclable and are made from recycled materials, incorporating between 30 and 85% recycled content, including both post-consumer and pre-consumer materials. In addition, our products are free of VOC emissions and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified.

 

According to the U.S., Environmental Protection Agency, over ninety-percent of our time is spent indoors. Now more than ever, people want to know that they are living and working in a healthy environment. They demand to know the products surrounding them are safe, how they were made, and from what type of materials.

The New Normal

While we have not always taken additional steps to ensure our well being through awareness, it is fast becoming the norm. Environmental safety (both indoors and out) is topping the list as a priority.

Over the years, building product transparency has changed from a mere movement to a necessity within the construction industry. And as the demand for clean and healthier living grows, so does the need for greater transparency in building products and materials.

The benefits are clearly four-fold. Building owners are looking for ways to make buildings healthier for occupants. Architects are now identifying building products that are healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly, enabling them to make informed decisions when specifying products and materials. Manufacturers can effectively market their products, and owners and occupants are gaining insight into how healthy and environmentally friendly their buildings – and the materials within them – are.

A Leader in Product Transparency

With a 30-year history in sustainable product development and production, Scranton Products has long led the way in meeting the demand for product transparency.

All of our products – including each of our locker lines, bathroom partitions, vanities and other HDPE products – are manufactured in the USA from American-made solid HDPE (high-density polyethylene), using recycled materials containing both pre- and post-consumer content. Free of VOC emissions, all of our products are eligible for LEED credits, and are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meeting strict certification requirements for use in schools and healthcare facilities. In addition, all of our products are 100% recyclable and are available in 100% post-consumer material.

At Scranton Products, we have always been committed to supporting a healthier environment. If you would like to find out more about our low emitting products that meet both GREENGUARD emissions standards as well as LEED requirements for air quality and sustainability, please click on the link below.

About HDPE Recycling

One of the biggest selling points of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic partitions and lockers is that they are sustainable. Not only can they be made from recycled material, but they’re easily recycled and reused. Facility managers understand the need for sustainable building products, as well as the benefits of choosing such products for their facility. However, a lot of people want to know how HDPE is recycled.

How is HDPE Recycled?

There are different stages of HDPE plastic. While you’re familiar with the material for partitions and lockers, HDPE can also be found in containers, non-corrosive piping, and even plastic bottles. Each material has their unique properties, but all of it can be recycled and transformed into other HDPE plastic products.

When recycled, HDPE is generally separated by grade since some HDPE plastic is thicker and more durable than others. All the plastic is rigorously cleaned to remove any particles or debris, so only the HDPE materials can be homogenized and processed. By removing any foreign debris and cleaning the plastic, HDPE is safe to continue with its recycling. Any particles left in will essentially ruin the end products.

HDPE then goes through a granulation process, which takes larger pieces of HDPE plastic and shreds it down, or melts it into pellets and granules for later use. This process will take the pellets and granules and combine or reshape them through several processes in order to create a new product using the same plastic that was originally recycled.

The Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Benefits of Recyclable HDPE Plastic

Given the durability of HDPE plastic, and how easily it can be recycled and reused in a variety of materials, makes it one of the more versatile building materials on the market. Today, sustainability is an important factor that a variety of industries need to consider not only to improve their impact on the environment, but also to reduce the amount of unnecessary waste. HDPE plastic can be reused and recycled again and again, making it a reliable, efficient, and long-lasting product that has endless applications. Choosing HDPE plastic is the smarter and greener choice towards sustainability.

HDPE Contributes to Well v2 and LEED v4.1 credits

Scranton Products® provides LEED v4 and LEED v4.1 documentation, leading to a safer, greener, cleaner and more energy efficient environment within the building where they are applied. Scranton Products® brands help contribute points to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for your building LEED is internationally recognized as a “green” building certification.

Want to learn more about the sustainability of HDPE plastic and how it can improve your facility? Check out this free eBook, Sustainable Building Products: How to Make Your Facility Eco-Friendly from Top to Bottom, from your friends at Scranton Products.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your facility may have two to five times more pollutants than the air outside. In some cases, that number is over 100 times more. Given the fact that most people will spend roughly 90% of their lives indoors, it’s important to make sure that indoor air quality remains high.

There are few places where indoor air quality is more important than inside educational institutions. That’s why, in this post, we explore the importance of indoor air quality and how it can be improved inside your school.

How Serious Are Indoor Air Quality Issues?

The EPA, in conjunction with its Science Advisory Board, has named indoor air pollution as one of the top five environmental risks to the public’s health. Maintaining good indoor air quality is an important factor in helping schools to achieve their primary goal of educating students.

Pollutants that affect indoor air quality can also lead to long- and short-term health problems for both students and faculty. This can include anything from headaches and coughing to, in rare cases, dangerous conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning.

But even allergens such as dust or pollen can lead to medical issues, especially for those suffering from asthma. According to the EPA, asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness.

To keep attendance and performance high, it’s important that your school has a good indoor air quality.

Solutions for Indoor Air Quality Issues

Having a quality HVAC system is vital for maintaining good indoor air quality inside your school. However, that’s not the only solution for your indoor air quality issues. There may be other factors contributing to the level of pollution inside your school, and unless these issues are dealt with, you’ll only be solving part of the problem.

One common cause of poor indoor air quality is the thoughtless selection of products and materials to be used in the school. Synthetic building materials, for example, can increase the level of indoor air pollutants, as can housekeeping supplies like cleaners and other chemicals.

To limit the number of air pollutants, you should use products that have limited effects on the environment as well as human health. Products that use recycled materials are good as well as products that strive to conserve water and energy.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a great option when selecting building materials because of its zero volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions rate.

Using HDPE to Improve Air Quality in Your School

HDPE is a strong and naturally germ-resistant material that resists scratches, dents, rust, corrosion, mold, mildew, and graffiti. It can be used in a wide variety of applications, including bathroom partitions, lockers, shower stalls, and bathroom vanities. However, the main benefit that schools can gain from using HDPE is improved indoor air quality.

At Scranton Products, our HDPE products are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning they’ve been rigorously tested and proven to exhibit important safety factors, making them suitable for use in schools and healthcare facilities. They’re made from recycled materials and contain no harmful VOCs.

Learn more about our HDPE and why it’s the best material choice for bathrooms and lockers.