[GRRN] The Gap Is Green!

IRUGROUP@aol.com
Thu, 7 Jan 1999 18:37:04 EST


Dear Readers:

I feel the need to point out that The Gap, Nike, and very few other big name
companies MANDATE the use of eco-friendly, formaldehyde-free reconstituted
panel board (RPB) for shelving at their plants and distribution centers.

Our firm has been fortunate to work on studies for several firms that wanted
to produce a straw-based RPB both here in the US and abroad. This value-added
product utilizes wheat straw that is normally burned or buried after harvest.
It is bonded with a formaldehyde-free resin binder and is highly moisture
resistant. Straw-based RPB has a more homogenous density yet weighs 15% less
than the real wood product, allowing better machining properties.

Our firm has found this product to be, so far, a tough sell to US end market
users due to unfamiliarity with both the process and product. (This product is
successfully marketed in Canada & the UK). The Gap & Nike both require use of
this type of product and should be commended for it.

Efforts to maintain our global health, economy, and ecology should be
encouraged and I just wanted to point out that The Gap does in fact make more
of an effort than a lot of big businesses today.

Any questions about straw-based RPB please feel free to write to us at
IRUGROUP@ aol.com.

Thank you for your time and attention,
Eric Davis
IRU