Regional first for Plum Sheep as it achieves ‘Greenguard Certification’ for products manufactured in the UAE

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20 Nov 2012

Plum Sheep, a leading manufacturer specializing in bespoke soft seating and furniture solutions, has successfully achieved ‘Greenguard Certification’ for products manufactured at its facility in the UAE. This is a regional first for the company and the certification ensures that its’ products meet some of the world's most rigorous and comprehensive standards for low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Two certificates namely ‘Greenguard Indoor Quality’ and ‘Greenguard Children & Schools’ have been awarded to the company, which currently manufactures bespoke soft seating and furniture solutions for a range of industries in the UAE.

Having achieved ‘Greenguard Certification’ for its products, Plum Sheep hopes to further raise the bar for environmental standards in products being supplied in the UAE. The ‘Greenguard Indoor Air Quality’ certification program gives assurance that products designed for use in office environments and other indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits, which contribute to the creation of healthier interiors. In addition, the ‘Greenguard Children & Schools’ certification program offers stricter certification criteria for products intended for use in schools, daycares or other environments where children spend significant periods of time. It is referenced by both the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Rating System and products certified to this standard are deemed suitable for use in environments where children and others work, play or reside.

“As the demand for healthy, sustainable products continues to expand, the ‘Greenguard Certification’ program helps manufacturers create, and buyers identify, interior products and materials that have low chemical emissions and improve the quality of the air in which the products are used,” said Mriganka Travasso, Partner, Plum Sheep. “Our products have not only undergone the initial tests for certification but have to go for annual re-certification and quarterly quality monitoring tests to maintain their certification. Given that more than 400 green building codes, standards, guidelines, procurements policies, and rating systems give credit for Greenguard certified products, we believe that clients in the UAE will opt for our bespoke solutions in an attempt to further comply with green building regulations.”

Established in 2001, the Greenguard Environmental Institute was founded with the mission of protecting human health and quality of life by improving indoor air quality and reducing chemical exposure. According to the experts at Greenguard, indoor air quality (IAQ) is closely tied to health, and has therefore been recognized as an important concern in homes, schools, healthcare environments and commercial spaces. Further, they identified volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from building materials and furnishings as a major source of indoor air pollution. Today, Greenguard Certification has been widely adopted as the trusted standard for low-emitting products and provides manufacturers with credible tools to legitimize and promote their sustainability efforts.

“Green Building systems have become the norm within the construction sector in the UAE and wider GCC region and the emergence of LEED, Estidama and other rating systems has entailed a greater demand for certified products that either contribute to points in established green building programs, satisfy code or ordinance criteria or meet indoor air quality specific requirements. The sound science, robust certification requirements, and third-party status that back the ‘Greenguard Certification’ program clearly differentiate certified products in the marketplace. As such, we are able to offer clients the advantage of bespoke certified products for local and regional projects,” concluded Travasso.

Plum Sheep combines a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility with highly experienced skilled staff who have an understanding of local tastes and requirements, which enables the company to manage a project from the initial stage through to installation. The factory covers an area of 20,000 sq.ft and is staffed by 30 skilled workers who are able to manufacture a variety of customized soft seating solutions. With an impeccable track record of timely delivery, some of the projects that the company has been involved with include the Rib Room Restaurant (Jumeirah Emirates Towers); Allure (Yas Island); Creekside Restaurant and Vivaldi (Sheraton Dubai); Majlis (Emirates Golf Club); the Caramel Restaurant & Lounge (DIFC); and The Talk (Movenpick Jumeirah Beach Residence) amongst others. Working with established partners including Seekers, Office Essentials and The Total Office, the company has also manufactured products for the Burj Khalifa, Radisson Blu Lusaka, Address Hotel - Dubai Mall, The One & Only - The Palm Jumeirah, and Holiday Inn Express.