Creating Environmental Consciousness

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers to evaluate carefully environmental claims, such as degradable, recyclable, environment friendly, environmentally safe, on product labels or in advertising. As such, almost all the products that fill up the shelves claim to be "eco friendly", but it seems like this has become a catch-phrase. For instance, if a label says "recycled," FTC recommends checking the percentage of the product or package that is recycled, because unless the product or package contains 100 percent recycled materials, the label must indicate how much of it is recycled.

Labels on "recycled" products should tell where the recycled material comes from, that is, whether from "post-consumer" or "pre-consumer" material. "Post-consumer" material is the material that comes from previously used business or consumer products, including newspapers, shipping cartons, plastic bottles, glass containers, and/or aluminum cans. "Pre-consumer" material, on the other hand, is basically manufacturing waste. For example, an envelope manufacturer might recycle the clippings left over when envelopes are cut from paper. These clippings could be made into other paper products instead of being thrown away.

The FTC issued the Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims ("Green Guides") to prevent false or misleading use of environmental terms in product advertising and marketing and to reduce consumer confusion. These guides represent administrative interpretations of laws administered by the FTC to guide the public in conducting its affairs in conformity with legal requirements. They also apply to environmental claims included in labeling, advertising, promotional materials and all other forms of marketing, whether asserted directly or by implication, through words, symbols, emblems, logos, depictions, product brand names, or through any other means. This includes marketing through digital or electronic means, such as the Internet or electronic mail. They also apply to any claim about the environmental attributes of a product, package, or service in connection with the sale , offering for sale, or marketing of such product, package or service for personal, family or household use, or for commercial, institutional or industrial use.

As a manufacturing company, MAiSPACE follows all these guidelines and adheres to the strictest industry standards. Moreover, MAiSPACE understands its responsibility for the environment and wants our competitors to follow its lead. A commitment to Earth stewardship is part of the company's mandate and translates into many different programs, specifically in these areas.

MAiSPACE has reduced packaging refuse by offering bulk packing and alternatives for the traditional corrugated and Styrofoam materials used in packaging products; such as cartonless techniques and the introduction of minimal packaging for truckload orders. Reusable packaging is also used by companies who supply parts and products for Maispace. In addition to protecting the environment from unnecessary packing materials, these packaging methods reduce the cost of detrashing the installation area and facilitate installation through less clutter. Packaging materials made from recycled products are also used whenever possible.

MAiSPACE takes pride in all its products that are 100% recyclable including steel frames. The company also uses Guilford of Maine Fabrics, who as part of the Interface Group has an exceptional sustainability program. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has accepted Guilford of Maine into the National Environmental Achievement Track Program recognizing the company for leading by example and modeling the way to environmental excellence.

One of the corporate objectives is to raise awareness and build industry support for environmental responsibility. MAiSPACE works constantly to achieve high environmental standards and practice what they preach; as such, MAiSPACE recycles office paper, computer paper, fabric, foam, plastic bags, cans, bottles, corrugated materials, vinyl, and chemicals including solvents that are reused in production.