DULUTH, MINN.—Loll Designs, the made-in-the-USA outdoor furniture design manufacturer, received the distinctive GOLD certification under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) rating system. Awarded by Green Business Certification Inc., a leading independent sustainability and health certification body, TRUE helps facilities measure, improve, and maximize zero waste performance through sustainable waste management and reduction practices, contributing to positive environmental and global health impacts.
Founded on principles of thoughtful design, the responsible use/reuse of recycled materials, and a deep appreciation for the environment, Loll embodies what it means to be a sustainable product, process, and company. Today, Loll is proud to divert 97.4 percent of total facility waste from landfills and incineration with a focus on waste reduction and reuse.
“This TRUE Gold achievement is a proud moment, as it recognizes all of the ways Loll’s endeavors in zero waste contribute to the circular economy and a sustainable future,” stated the President of Loll Designs, Eric Swanson.
A Close Look at Where Waste Occurs
With a core mission to inspire others to appreciate the outdoors, for Loll, achieving zero waste is essential for a better, sustainable world for generations to enjoy. To do this, Loll designs waste out of the lifecycle of not only its products, but also its spaces, partners, and systems. Looking closely at where waste occurs at every point of generation, especially in warehousing and distribution, manufacturing, office spaces, and on their building grounds, they:
- Offer replacement parts so furniture stays in use and out of landfills;
- Are proudly made in the USA, with nearly all materials sourced from the USA;
- Ship products flat-packed for easy assembly by the customer;
- Work with many recycled and recyclable materials for its products;
- Created “void fill” and pallet reuse programs to maximize material and resource use;
- Donate 1 percent of sales from the popular Lollygagger Collection to environmental nonprofits;
- Limit plastic wrapping; and
- Send HDPE clippings from production process to a local partner that manufactures board games.
To Loll, demonstrating zero waste leadership goes beyond their outdoor furnishings; between their facilities in Duluth, Minn., and the entire Loll team, from executive management to the shop floor, Loll is a leader in planet protection-driven initiatives including:
- A robust composting program;
- Community garden at their headquarters;
- “Swap don’t Shop” clothing swaps throughout the year, donating remaining apparel to the local community in need;
- “Loll Designs Garage Sale,” which sells open box and dinged products at a discount to prevent them from being recycled; and
- Leading community preservation events like Clean Yer Creek (since 2008) and annual tree planting.
“Zero waste is a powerful part of any company’s sustainability strategy,” said Peter Templeton, President and CEO of U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Through their TRUE certification, Loll Designs enhances their operations in a way that maximizes the lifecycle of every product to promote a fully circular economy.”
On the Way to Zero Waste
Part of Loll’s approach is to continue improving. After tracking 12 months of diversion data, they implemented new systems for continual tracking and are committed to increase overall diversion by 1 percent annually until arriving at 100 percent diversion from landfill, reporting their progress as a monthly key performance indicator so the whole organization understands the importance of their zero waste goals.
Waste affects every part of local—and global—communities, and effective waste management strategies are critical to ensuring both public and environmental health. By pursuing TRUE certification, Loll Designs demonstrates a commitment to sustainability leadership by shifting to circular thinking and prioritizing processes, operations, and actions to reduce waste and resources throughout their system lifecycle.
