Energy-efficient production hall lighting With a view to achieving ecologically and economically effective lighting inproduction, it was planned to installelectronic operation in all areas with daylight-dependent controls in 1997.Due to the varying requirements of individual workplaces, we have so far only been able to carry out part ofthese investments. Solar-operated car park lighting When parking spaces were in the process of being redesigned for EXPO 2000, the idea of solar-operated lighting was put forward. Due to the priority given to other investments we missed the chance of pointing the way to ecological development that would have been energy-efficient and effective for public relations. Substitution of solvent-basedupholstery adhesives Solvent-based upholstery adhesives still have high negative environ- mental impact. Unfortunately, there is still no effective, low-solvent sub- stitute. Consumption has, however, been reduced due to point-gluing technology since 1998. A further project is aimed at reducing the amount of solvent contained in the adhesive.

... and stumbling blocks

Ecological goals, which we have not reached, are documented below. They stand for the technical and economic limits of ecological capacity to act in medium-sized businesses. Wood offensive With a view to increasing the share of wood used in our business, we started a wood offensive in 1996. The focus of our business, however, requires the development of increas- ingly complex products that have maximum engineering stability with, if possible, minimum dimensions and low weight. In addition, there is also a high percentage of moving parts requiring high stability under load and high accuracy to gauge. The utilization of wood is, therefore, restricted to some less complex commercial chair ranges and to the production of table furniture tops. Utilization of bio-composites To date, development has not shown any results that can be used for complex components, even aftermany years of research collaborationwith the Deutsches Institut für Luft- und Raumfahrt (German Institute forAeronautics and Astronautics). Substitution of PVC The use of PVC in new products has been prohibited since 1992 in line with Wilkhahn ecological design design guidelines. PVC components are, however, used for older table and chair ranges. The substitution of PVC can only be carried out on the premise that the same utilization features can be achieved and thattactile and optical requirements can also be met. No suitable substitute has been found as yet. As the num- ber of units produced of the rangesin question is on the decrease, thisissue is losing importance.
Reusable transport packaging made fromrenewable raw materials: jute, flax and cotton 15