In our efforts to produce the highest quality products, Shafer Commercial Seating strives to be as environmentally friendly as possible in its selection and use of materials, vendors, and processes for the health and well-being of our employees and our environment.

Proudly, we are a voluntary participant in the State of Colorado Governor’s Pollution Prevention Program. We have accomplished many goals by focusing our efforts in several areas:

The majority of our frame lumber is harvested from naturally forested species, primarily European Beech, which is selectively cut tree by tree (no clear cutting) from mixed timber lands. This harvesting method has been used for hundreds of years to keep the same forests healthy and growing with mixed species. As such, most of these forests have received Governmental Certifications including FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC ( Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

Whenever possible, Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or wafer board is used instead of traditional plywood because it is made of waste timber rather than old growth clear lumber.

In February of 1996 Shafer Commercial Seating, Inc. installed a new state-of-the-art finishing system which utilizes water based finishes. While we remain permitted by the Environmental Protection Agency to emit 89 tons per year of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) per year, we have virtually eliminated all of our Hazardous Air Pollutant VOC emissions. In that first year, emission dropped approximately 80% from our 1995 emissions while, simultaneously, increasing the number of items finished. Additionally, to the gross reduction in tonnage, the nature of the emissions has changed to be much more ecologically friendly.

All of the adhesives used in our facility for manufacturing are water based and non-polluting.

Nearly all cleaning agents are citrus or water based and non-toxic. Less than 1% of cleaning agents by volume used are solvent based.