Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
All of KI’s facilities embrace the theme of “REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE” in their operations. These efforts are aimed at all media – water usage, wastewater discharges, air emissions, and solid/hazardous waste - in comprehensive effort towards pollution prevention.

By introducing more products into recycling programs, KI has been able to effectively reduce its waste stream. Over the past three years, a focus on emerging options has led the company to target process water, foam, plastic purgings and fabrics for inclusion in recycling programs.

Capital Investment Process
KI selects new processes and equipment based on a detailed analysis of capital and operating costs and environmental considerations. The evaluation of operating cost includes the recommended maintenance procedures; thus processes and equipment that have extensive and significant maintenance costs are eliminated by this process. Solvent-based paints and other materials have been steadily replaced with water-based or powder substitutes at the manufacturing facilities. By limiting the use of solvent-based materials, the necessity of using solvent-based cleaning materials has been reduced.

Product Durability, Refurbishment, and Flexibility
KI’s products are designed to be durable, flexible (in terms of office rearrangement and also in terms of re-upholstery), and repairable (in the event wearing occurs or a component is broken). In the event that an item is not longer needed, many products can be disassembled and several components can be recycled.

These features (durability, flexibility, and refurbishment) all KI's customers to break the cycle of unnecessary waste generation.

KI may partner with and enlist the services of refurbishing and resale entities on a per-project basis to extend product lifecycles.

Product Buy-Back Policy
KI understands that customers may want to purchase products with an understanding that office needs may change, and customers may need assistance in the removal and resale of product. KI will assist in a buy-back program or can offer to broker product no longer needed by customers. The details of service would be based on the product purchased and a program would be tailored at that time. In addition, KI can assist with brokering furniture from other manufacturers.

By producing products that are reconfigurable such as demountable walls and panel systems, KI acts as a responsible steward of the environment promoting the reuse of products rather than the proliferation of landfills.

Fuel and Energy Conservation

Fuel conservation is addressed in transportation of raw materials and finished products, as well as facility operations. Transportation related information is provided in a separate section.

Energy and fuel conservation is also an integral part of the facility engineering staff responsibilities. Each proposed capital investment must consider energy and fuel costs are part of the overall evaluation. Several KI facilities participate in a state program called "Focus on Energy" which formalizes energy conservation goals, measurements, and approaches.

Several facilities utilize energy efficient lighting systems for offices and manufacturing areas and have installed automatic shut-off systems to further conserve energy