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Our Journey

Environmental responsibility
            is a journey, not a destination.
The HON Company embarked on its journey more than 60 years ago, when we crafted one of our first product lines out of recycled scrap metal. We continue to respect the finite nature of Earth's resources today, as we chart a course for a greener world. We've made great progress in reducing our impact on the environment. But we know there is much more to do. And we will keep striving for improvement anywhere and everywhere we can. We invite you to join us on our quest.

1947
The HON Company's founders begin making recipe boxes from recycled scrap metal. "Waste not, want not," was their philosophy. It remains part of our corporate DNA sixty years later.

1980s
Formal Environmental Program developed in the relentless pursuit of waste reduction.

1992
The HON Company introduces Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI), which empowers employees to develop more efficient production processes and eliminate waste, thereby benefiting the environment and the bottom line. HON teams continue to study economics, life-cycle analysis, manufacturing, marketing and sales to ensure that all processes are effective, protective and lean.

2003
HNI (HON's parent company) Lean Assessment Audit Teams are established to benchmark environmental friendliness across all operating companies from factory lighting, to manufacturing paint systems and machinery lubricants, to parking lot deicers.

2003
The HON Company is awarded the Evergreen Furniture Award for Innovation and Environmentally Preferable Products from the General Services Administration (GSA).

2004
Based on case studies of the environmental benefits attributed to RCI, The HON Company is awarded a Pollution Prevention Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

2005
The HON Company is recognized for its contributions to a Lean and the Environment Tool Kit produced by the USEPA.

2006
The HON Company is the first office furniture manufacturer to participate in Scientific Certification System's (SCS) Indoor Advantage air quality certification program, assuring the best possible air quality for office workers.

2007
The HON Company introduces Nature CoreTM fiberboard and becomes the first office furniture manufacturer to receive Indoor Advantage™ Gold certification for a panel system (Initiate®).