Updated 10:54 AM ET September 14, 2000
BAYPORT, Minn., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Andersen Corporation, maker of Andersen(R) windows and patio doors, announced today that it will not source wood from endangered forests and it will give preference to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or equivalent certified wood supplies in the manufacture of its products. These commitments become a part of the company's established practices of promoting responsible forestry management in the procurement of wood supplies.
"These commitments support the approach we have taken over the years to preserve forest resources by responsibly sourcing wood, conserving wood whenever possible and reclaiming wood within our operations. All three must be practiced to assure the long-term health of the world's forests and the viability of wood as a valued natural resource," said Kurt Heikkila, vice president of technology and business development for Andersen Corporation.
"We believe our commitment to our customers extends beyond manufacturing energy-efficient, durable, beautiful windows and patio doors. It is evidenced by our long-term environmental stewardship," Heikkila added.
"We applaud Andersen for taking the leadership role in the window industry by ending the use of wood from endangered forests and by increasing the use of FSC or equivalent certified wood sources, alternative fibers and wood conservation," said Michael Marx, executive director of the Coastal Rainforest Coalition (CRC). Andersen has been discussing wood sourcing for sometime and has confirmed these commitments with several groups including CRC, Rainforest Action Network and Natural Resources Defense Council.
Andersen will give preference to certified wood supplies while pursuing the best wood for its products in terms of quality, price, volume and consistency of material. Andersen will continue to work with suppliers toensure that specified lumber or cut stock is not sourced from endangered forests. The company supports constructive efforts, such as the new Coast Forest Conservation Initiative in British Columbia, to achieve responsible balance among economic, environmental and community interests in timber-producing areas.
In March, Andersen joined the Certified Forest Products Council (CFPC), an independent, non-profit, voluntary business initiative that promotes responsible forest products buying practices throughout North America in an effort to improve forest management practices worldwide.
"We welcome Andersen Corporation's membership in the CFPC and the company's commitment to increasing the use of independently certified wood," said CFPC President, David Ford. "We look forward to working with Andersen to increase the supply of certified wood available for their products." The CFPC promotes and facilitates the increased purchase, use and sale of third-party independently certified forest products. The Council works to achieve its goals in partnership with environmental organizations and a wide range of stakeholders.
Wood Use at Andersen
Wood has always been a key material resource at Andersen. Historically, the company has approached the sustainability of wood as a resource in three ways -- through responsible sourcing, conservation and the reclamation of wood in its operations.
Andersen primarily uses ponderosa pine in its window and patio door products and it is sourced from well-managed forests mainly in the western United States. The company is using increasing quantities of its patented biofiber composite, Fibrex(TM) material, made from waste wood fiber. Fibrex material was developed to reduce the company's need for raw timber and reclaim its wood waste stream. Andersen also conducts ongoing research on wood species and alternatives for use in its products.
Wood conservation has been practiced throughout Andersen manufacturing facilities for years. Scrap wood is finger-joined and edge-glued to create usable pieces; parts are reengineered to save wood; and wood veneers are used where appropriate. Andersen is also committed to recycled wood supplies and to products made with wood waste reclaimed from operations, such as Fibrex material.
The Forest Stewardship Council is an international, independent, non-profit organization with a diverse membership representing environmental, business and social interests. The FSC sets standards for well-managed forestry and requires the use of third-party, independent forest certification through its accreditation program.
Andersen Corporation is the market leader in manufacturing wood windows and patio doors, and is recognized internationally for its innovative products. Founded 97 years ago, the company is privately owned and has a strong history of commitment to its employees, community and environmental stewardship. Andersen markets products throughout North America and in South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Contact: Libby Johnston, Manager, Public Affairs of Andersen Corporation, 651-264-5441
