Q. Tell me more about Baltix Furniture, Inc. When did you get started and why did you choose to pursue environmentally friendly solutions for the office furniture market?
A. Baltix was incorporated in 1999 as a small custom furniture manufacturer. After finding initial success with a design of Baltic birch hardwood solutions that targeted the technology industry, the mission of the company was refocused to pursue environmentally friendly, sustainable solutions. This approach more closely matched the owners’ personal commitment of "doing the right thing" for the environment while still offering a portfolio of solutions that are attractive, durable, easy to assemble and reconfigure. And to offer all this at a price point that doesn’t require the end user to pay more when acquiring eco-friendly products.

Q. How would you define sustainability?
A. We like to use a definition originated in the Brundtland Report by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987: "Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." And we try to manage our business to balance the "Three P’s" – People, Planet, and Profit.

Q. What are your estimated lead times for standard and also for custom solutions?
A. Typical lead times for Baltix standard products range from 4 to 8 weeks. Custom solutions require a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks lead-time based on materials required and the degree of customization specified.

Q. Can you tell me more about the sustainable and recycled materials that are used in your product line?
A. We offer a variety of sustainable materials, which allows for customizing the look and content of our product. These materials include wheat straw, sunflower hulls, recycled paper, recycled HDPE plastic (i.e., milk jugs), recycled content aluminum, cork, linoleum, and powder coated ‘green’ MDF. All adhesives, resins, and coatings are formaldehyde and heavy metal free and emit no VOCs. And we are always researching new sustainable materials for use in our product!

Q. My research indicates that products that out gas can be harmful. Do Baltix products out gas or contain harmful VOCs or formaldehydes?
A. All Resins, adhesives and coatings used by Baltix are free from formaldehyde, heavy metals, and will not outgas any harmful VOCs.

Q. Can your solutions contribute to LEED & LEED CI project points?
A. Baltix Furniture can assist in gaining points for either LEED certification process. LEED certification is project specific so each situation must be evaluated individually. For more details of how Baltix can assist in LEED or LEED-CI certification, please refer to Baltix’s "LEED & LEED-CI Primer".

Q. What is the binding agent used in your bio-based materials of wheat & sunflower?
A. We source bio-based boards that contain no harmful formaldehyde or heavy metals, and do not emit VOCs. The binding agents are a proprietary urethane, and we are not able to reveal the specific product formula. We can provide you with a detailed data sheet that outlines the material specifications.

Q. Do you sell your products on a direct basis or through a dealer channel?
A. Baltix has grown from a Minnesota based local provider of sustainable office solutions to our current coverage model that includes the entire U.S. Our objective is to gain dealer/rep coverage in high profile geographies that have made a significant commitment to environmental initiatives. In locations where we do not have existing coverage, we have capabilities to sell directly to the end user with third party support for installation and warranty requirements.

Q. Does Baltix have a website where I can find additional information?
A. Baltix provides product and material information at our current web site
www.baltix.com. Inquiries can also be sent to Chuck@baltix.com.

Q. I understand that you use linoleum in some of your surface material options. What make linoleum a "green" material?
A. Producing environmentally compatible products with appropriate methods
of production: This has been our linoleum supplier’s credo since the company's foundation in 1928. Linoleum is made from renewable resources that include linseed oil, cork, wood flour, and rosin. We will gladly provide you with the manufacturer’s environmental statement for more information on their unique linoleum products.

Q. Many particleboard materials and other eco-friendly products that I have seen are not very durable or resistant to water spills. Are Baltix solutions different?
A. Our panels have passed the same structural and physical properties tests required for other common furniture raw materials. The surface coating has been tested and proven to resist damage from numerous common liquids (e.g., coffee, various juices, lipstick, etc.).

Q. What is your strategy for wire and cable management?
A. Since each installation has a unique set of requirements, we offer various solutions to meet the customer’s needs and utilize existing set-ups such as floor jacks, power poles, and/or daisy chain connectivity. On the desktop, we have cable channels and wire storage products that provide flexible configuration depending on whether the user has standard or wireless telephony, a laptop or tower CPU, and flat screen or standard monitors.

Q. Do you provide warranty for your products?
A. Baltix warrants that all products are, at the date of shipment/receipt, guaranteed free from defects in materials and workmanship. Additionally, Baltix backs all workstations and systems with a 10-year warranty period.

Q. Your literature discusses a closed loop life cycle approach. What does this mean and what is your strategy for the product and materials at the end of their useful life?
A. Baltix Furniture pledges to reacquire materials at the end of their useful life, which enables recycling, refurbishing, or reuse of the raw materials. The aluminum is valuable and can be easily recycled; Baltix will pay 10% over market recycling rates for any aluminum parts. Baltix will reclaim all eco-materials and is committed to finding the most environmentally sound next use for the material. Depending on the material, this may include being re-ground for use in manufacturing new panels, donation for use by non-profits, or ground into bedding for agricultural use.

Q. The framing for your system is made from post-industrial aluminum scrap material. Is this process efficient for the environment?
A. Recycling aluminum is substantially better for the environment as it requires approximately 5% of the processing resources (energy and water) that refining aluminum from raw bauxite requires. It also eliminates the need for extraction of raw materials from the earth. Additionally, the relatively light weight of aluminum saves on shipping impact.

Q. How much more do I have to pay for environmentally friendly products?
A. Baltix is committed to the pledge that you do not have to pay more when you make the choice to acquire environmentally friendly office furniture! Our portfolio of solutions are moderately priced, highly durable and provide maximum design configuration and flexibility with a great aesthetic appeal.

Q. Are the workstations difficult to install and reconfigure?
A. Our ecobuzz™ workstations have been designed with ease of installation as a priority. The entire 60 x 60 workstation with full hutch can be assembled or disassembled by almost anyone in less than one hour, and requires only a 3/16" Allen wrench. Our modular ecosystem™ line installs comparable with other similarly configured traditional office systems.

Q. Some hardwood materials are acquired with FSC certification. What does this mean and how does this protect the environment?
A. Wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is guaranteed to come from a well-managed forest. Certified forests have been independently assessed to ensure they meet principles including the conservation of biological diversity, maintenance of ecosystems, advancement of the economic and social well being of local communities, and the establishment of long-term sound management practices.

Q. You mention a surface material called "green" MDF with Powder Coating. What is MDF and why is this an environmentally friendly material? Are there color options available?
A. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a common wood fiber product widely used in the manufacture of furniture and consumer goods. Traditional MDF contains virgin wood content and uses adhesives and resins that contain formaldehyde and VOCs. Our "green" MDF uses only recycled post-industrial fiber that has been FSC certified; this eliminates the use of virgin wood. Our MDF has no formaldehyde in the resins or adhesives and will not emit any harmful VOCs. Powder coating is an environmentally friendly method of applying a finish to MDF that virtually eliminates over spray and provides a non-toxic surface that emits no formaldehyde or VOCs. Powder coating is available in a wide palette of color options.

Q. Does Baltix have the capability to consider customized solutions that meet my specific requirements? What is your policy when considering these alternatives?
A. Baltix has been retained to design and build dozens of projects that have been specified by architects, designers and end users. Our collaborative approach ensures that we will find product solutions that best meet your needs and that will be constructed with the highest level of earth friendly materials. Each project will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and will be screened through our systems assurance process in an effort to maintain the highest level of quality standards.

Q. Can I use the recycled plastic or bulletin board materials for a work surface rather than just upper or lower panels?
A. No. Neither has passed our standards as a surfacing material.

Q. Does Baltix sell products to the Federal Government via a GSA schedule that includes BIFMA standards?
A. Baltix is aggressively pursuing a GSA contract for simplified sales to Federal, State, and Local governmental entities. Part of this project will include ensuring Baltix meets or exceeds all relevant standards, including those set out by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association (BIFMA). We are confident we meet or exceed all applicable standards.

Q. Can I add ergonomic keyboard trays and extension options to my Baltix workstation?
A. Yes. Baltix works with a variety of manufacturers that provide ergonomic keyboard tray and extension options. We typically provide three quotations that allow the end user to measure cost versus functionality.

Q. I have been searching for earth friendly material solutions for my home/SOHO needs. Does Baltix offer solutions other than those sold to commercial environments?
A. Baltix has products that can be used as a Single Office/Home Office (SOHO) set for the home user. We offer tables, desking systems, file storage and bookshelves all made from sustainable materials.

Q. I like the idea of providing indirect sunlight through one of the ecobuzz upper panels. Does Baltix offer any kind of recycled glass solution?
A. Yes. We offer various translucent and clear panels specifically for applications to take advantage of natural lighting. Our repurposed glass panels are made from windowpanes salvaged from razed buildings. The glass is cut to size and a pattern is kiln fired into the pane.

Q. All furniture products can be marred or gouged if treated in a rough manner. What do you recommend if this happens to one of your units?
A: Linoleum surfaces can be repaired with linseed oil. Since the coloring of linoleum goes all through the depth of the material, marks are not obvious. Scratches in the solid wheat and wood surfaces can be treated as you would with any fine furniture. The beauty of natural surfaces is that they wear gracefully, unlike plastic laminates, which can scratch through the surface color and reveal solid black or white cores.

Q: Does Baltix offer unfinished eco-friendly materials for retail sales?
A: Baltix does not currently support direct retail purchase of our sustainable materials for individuals.

For further information, please call:
Baltix Furniture, Inc.
(763) 210-1055
or email: chuck@baltix.com