During Forward development process we considered environmental impacts of our decisions at every stage of the product’s lifecycle.
Life Cycle Assessment
The Forward is manufactured in Wisches, France, by Steelcase. Thanks to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method, Steelcase can quantify the product’s environmental impacts to set the stage for further improvements. This method, based on ISO 14044, is selected by the European Union for environmental evaluation. It allows us to measure the environmental impact of our products throughout their lifecycle.
Forward Life Cycle
Materials
The Forward Compact Bench contains 22% recycled materials (Table 24%, Bridge 17%). No hazardous materials (i.e. no PVC, cadmium, lead, chrome VI, mercury). The packaging consists of PE foam, cardboard and LDPE film (Low Density Polyethylene), both containing 30% recycled material. Printing inks are water-based inks without solvent. 
Production
The Forward Compact Bench was designed to be made with minimal waste, energy consumption and environmental impact. Powder-coat painting is VOC-free and free of heavy metals; unused paint that does not attach to the product can be directly reused in the process. The production site in Wisches (France) has an ISO 14001 certified environmental management system.
Transport
Packaging weight and volume are both minimised, thus requiring less energy for shipping.
Use
Forward is modular and easy to upgrade or repair, to extend its lifetime. The wooden components release virtually no formaldehyde according to the low emission E1 standard (EN13986).
End of life
The Forward Compact Bench is 98% recyclable (Table 98%, Bridge 99%). It is quick and easy to disassemble using normal hand tools. Plastic parts weighing more than 50g are clearly labelled for recycling. The cardboard and LDPE film used for packaging are 100% recyclable. The Forward Bench comes along with an offer of special services that extend product life or enable responsible disposal.
Forward Environmental Certifications
The particle boards comply with the low emission “E1 Standard” (EN13986).
With Forward we can provide an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), according to the objectives of ISO 14025, based on Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14044).
The wooden components of Forward are labelled with PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).