Kawneer goes Cradle to Cradle (January 2009)

Cradle to Cradle environmental product certification at the Silver level has been awarded to four products from Norcross, Ga. based Kawneer North America, a business unit of Alcoa. The 1600 Wall System1, 1600 Wall System 2, InLighten Light Shelf and 1600 SunShade received the certification. These are the first Cradle to Cradle certifications awarded to Kawneer. Cradle to Cradle is an independent U.S. environmental certification process by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, Charlottesville, Va., for materials and products, assessing the total impact of a product on human health and the environment. Sustainability is the focus of Kawneer’s product line, which is comprised of one of the Earth’s most plentiful recyclables aluminum. And its range of thermal and solar products works to maximize energy savings while reducing energy demand. “With these certifications, Kawneer offers the broadest range of [Cradle to Cradle] certified products in the architectural aluminum industry,” said Eddie Bugg, director of sustainable solutions for Kawneer.