Introduction of a New Line of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Based Furniture

Abstract

Industrial development usually has an inherent environmental impact due to the unsustainable practice adopted to support this growth. Furniture industry is an example of this trend since its growth is sustained by the exploitation of the forest from where the timber is extracted. High density polyethylene (HDPE) has been selected as a suitable alternative for wood because of its physical properties, economic benefits and environmental friendly characteristics. The reports will illustrate how furniture industry creates environmental pressure, aspects that will be affected by adopting the new sustainable philosophy, cost saving opportunities and example of best practices currently implemented. HDPE based furniture are made from the same material used in containers for milk, shampoo, oil and other products, which makes it highly recyclable. Furthermore, at the end of their working life the product can also be recycle, making them totally eco-friendly and economically profitable. Moreover, these products offer excellent resistance and longevity characteristics that closely resemble and exceed the ones found in real wood. Finally this sustainable practice has already been successfully implemented by many companies around the world for several years.