DETROIT, April 21, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michigan Governor Rick Snyder recognized Steelcase Inc. (NYSE:SCS), a global office environments manufacturer, as a Michigan Green Leader on behalf of the Detroit Free Press at an awards breakfast today. Steelcase is among 16 Michigan businesses honored for moving the state forward in innovation, sustainable development and conservation.
"More than 600 nominations have been received during the two years of the program, and have been evaluated by independent judges," said Randy Essex, deputy managing editor, Detroit Free Press, and director of the awards program. "The judges were impressed by Steelcase's thorough efforts to conserve resources, particularly the new EcoCradle™ packaging made from crop byproducts, as well as the company's thoughtfulness in working with customers, such as finding ways to reuse or recycle old furniture."
This is the second year the Detroit Free Press has implemented the Green Leaders program. A panel of 25 independent judges chose the 2011 leaders from 265 nominations. Steelcase received the award in the "Large Businesses" category.
"It has been embedded in Steelcase's DNA for nearly one hundred years that there is no standing still in regards to sustainability," said Nancy Hickey, senior vice president and chief administrative officer, Steelcase Inc. "We are extremely honored that the Detroit Free Press has recognized our work. We hope other companies are inspired to be as sustainable as possible, across both Michigan and the rest of the country."
Steelcase achieved numerous environmental milestones over the last year, including breakthroughs in sustainable packaging, PVC reductions and environmental education. Taking a comprehensive, active approach to sustainability, Steelcase continued to improve its products and operations, and to meet environmental goals that coincide with its 100-year anniversary in 2012.
In addition, Steelcase began shipping product with EcoCradle™ packaging last year, a revolutionary alternative to polystyrene and other synthetics. Twelve work surface product lines now ship free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), using a proprietary polyolefin blend material to replace it.
About Steelcase Inc.
Steelcase Inc. helps create great experiences -- wherever work happens. Our brands offer a comprehensive portfolio of workplace furnishings, products and services, inspired by nearly 100 years of insight gained serving the world's leading organizations. We are globally accessible through a network of channels, including over 650 dealers. We design for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Steelcase is a global, publicly traded company leading our industry with fiscal 2011 revenue of approximately $2.4 billion.
The Steelcase Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4484
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