Roset & the environment
1 - Our philosophy Luxury doesn't have to cost the earth - our philosophy of common sense. Our commitment: "The admirable location in which the Roset Company has evolved since its conception reminds us daily of our duties as ecocitizens. We owe it the greatest respect." Pierre Roset Président Directeur Général For me, sustainable development begins with the pleasure we derive from working in this remarkable location. When one has the good fortune to grow and develop in an environment of such quality, one naturally wants to protect it. I am convinced that the beauty of a site and the proximity of nature all play their a part in the blossoming of creativity. In the 1970s, when the ecological movement took off in France, the Roset Company was already practising an environmental philosophy of simple good sense. As the Roset Company developed, the risk of damaging the environment we hold so dear could have risen in consequence. And yet, our activities are generating less and less pollution. This is explained by our own vigilance, and by the demands we make both of our suppliers and ourselves. Every reliable solution guaranteeing increased protection of persons and better stewardship of natural resources holds our attention, regardless of whether it might entail additional costs at the outset. We have never ceased to be on the lookout for products that marry performance with non-toxicity, 'cleaner' solutions, more eco -citizenly reflexes. This is how we have managed more than once to pre-empt legislation for the protection of both our personnel and the environment. Far more than a strategy, we favour a philosophy imprinted with respect for human beings and their environment, whether it be in the training of our staff, our choice of suppliers, or the management of our waste. Our environmental practice is nurtured by the concepts that have always guided us: creativity, innovation and quality. Pierre Roset, Président Directeur Général of the Roset Company, intervenes at the highest level of the European Commission in his capacity as representative of UNIFA: the industry is deeply committed to the theme of sustainable development and has achieved a number of important results - including the classification of panels of particleboard. Union Nationale des Industriels Fabricants pour l'Ameublement 2 - Eco -design Q: Tell me about ligne roset's commitment to Eco-design. The FCBA (Forêts, Cellulose, Bois et Ameublement) has produced several recommendations and proposals to assist manufacturers in formulating their environmental approach, which ligne roset are committed to following. Adhering to the concept of Eco-design the components of the products we design are increasingly separable. This is to ensure that as much of the product can be separated and recycled as possible. This is achieved through the choice of materials used and the limitation of their number, a great deal of research into products (e.g. easily removable glues), and maximum product improvement in order to encourage economy of materials and energy plus ease of transportation and handling. For example, in the design of our cabinet furniture, thick panels are alveolar, with cardboard honeycombing. We also assess the environmental issues associated with the product for the duration of its lifecycle and aim to limit the impact production has on the environment. 3 - Recycling Q: Does ligne roset recycle waste and use recyclable materials? Waste management is clearly an integral part of our approach to sustainable development. The personnel employed in the Company's factories are extremely conscious of this issue. Reducing Amounts of waste With constant and considerable effort we have also succeeded in reducing the amounts of waste we produce year on year. We reduced waste from 500 tonnes of recycling in 2001 to 300 tonnes in 2006. Materials we recycle: Neon tubes, printer cartridges, batteries Cardboard and similar - all our packaging is stamped with the 'recyclable' logo. Polythene packaging film and polystyrene Metals (inc aluminium) Industrial cleaning cloths (which is regularly analysed to check that it contains no toxic substances). 'Duflines' (protective sheets & interleaving for varnished pieces being transported between factories in pallets) Fabrics, micro fibres and hides. Foam off-cuts are also reducing in quantity year on year thanks to developments in our positioning software. They are recycled by a company making tatamis (Japanese mats), exterior carpeting, etc. Each eco citizenly gesture counts In each of our sites there are dedicated receptacles for paper and card, printer cartridges, and aluminium cans from drinks machines. An entire factory heated by wood waste In the factory of Saint Jean le Vieux (cabinet department) the suction system enables us to transfer wood by-products (off cuts from panels, machine dust, etc.) directly into the wood-fired boiler. This waste is used to heat the 484,376 square foot factory; therefore, not a single piece of particleboard needs to be dealt with externally, and our fuel consumption is virtually zero. Our constant commitment All waste products generated are rigorously monitored and managed. All waste is sorted and evaluated. We take great pains to keep ourselves abreast of developments in this field, making improvements to our processes where necessary, both to reduce our waste and to recycle waste products more easily and effectively. 4 - Hazardous waste? Q: Does ligne roset use hazardous materials or create hazardous waste? By virtue of 'clean' manufacturing, our furniture and upholstery do not let off gases or create toxic waste in the home of the consumer. We only use products and materials recommended by the FCBA (Forêts, Cellulose, Bois et Ameublement), that comply with all European norms. Adhesives for polyurethane foam In 2004, we were amongst the very first in the industry to substitute solvent-based glues for the water-based variety. These 'clean' glues also make it easier to clean equipment and tools, in particular spray guns. And of course, less product cleaning means less residue and therefore less pollution. Adhesives for wood veneer We use vinyl glues for this purpose, which have no impact on the environment and can easily be cleaned off tools and machinery by rinsing with water. No more 'CMR' products We have progressively, and now entirely, eliminated CMR* products (particularly solvents), substituting them with products which are just as reliable and more ecological. Each chemical product which enters our factories much, be accompanied by its security slip, detailing its composition and potential dangerousness. In addition, we carry out regular evaluations of the chemical constituents used in our production. * Carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to the reproductive system of human beings. Solvents for cleaning machinery These are the only type of products to contain solvents with volatile organic compounds (COV's). After use, they are collected and recycled. Interestingly, 100 litres of unclean solvents make 70 litres of clean solvents, with the remaining 30% being destroyed. We have carried out numerous tests with plans to switch to agro-solvents, but the results were unsatisfactory: the level of toxicity is still too high, and the recycling too complicated. We are currently looking into the possibility of evolving our cleaning solvents in terms of their composition, in close collaboration with our associates in Annemasse. Our aim is to create zero hazardous waste and use no hazardous materials at all. 5 - Sustainable materials Q: Are ligne roset products from sustainable sources? Yes - for example we use local or European wood for our products. Our products make use of solid wood. Yet, we have no part in the destruction of South American (most notably Amazonian), African or South Asian forests. Conscious of the pressing need to protect this natural heritage, we exclusively use 'bois d'origine PESC', that is, European wood products: oak, walnut, ash and beech originating from sustainable ecologically managed forests certified by the French government. 6 - Factory pollution Along with all other effects Ligne Roset has on the environment, we also takes air pollution seriously. Varnishes For example for the past 10 years we have been using UV acrylic varnishes that are hardened using UV lights which results in no release of by-products. Unlike most other furniture manufacturers, our varnishes require no solvents. Panels and Particleboard Secondly all particleboard panels used for cabinetry meet the requirements of emissions grade E1 (for formaldehyde), meaning that they do not exceed the threshold value of 0.01 ppm set by the French Ministry of Health. Panels have been checked under current analyses and carry the CTBA certification dated 2nd January 2006. Our particleboard: fungicides, biocides, heavy metals nor halogenated compounds. Panels In the case of a finished product, all panels fall well below the prescribed limits of formaldehyde emissions, since they are veneered not only on both faces, but also on all four edges. Nor do we use PVC edging as this is very difficult to recycle and emits toxic fumes when burnt. Foams For bedding purposes we use high-quality foams from Recticel, which are guaranteed CFC-free and certified CertiPUR. The allocation of this mark notably guarantees either the total absence of heavy metals, or their use within strict limits. Foams certified in this way will therefore emit no toxic substances during the course of their life. We chose to work with foams bearing this mark for reasons of safety, hygiene and health both in our workshops and in the homes of our customers. This choice forms part of our on-going consideration of the social impact of our business. Finally, our foams are transported in 'camions-presse', in order to optimise the number of blocks that can be transported in each truck. The CertiPUR mark was created to establish a standard in terms of safety, hygiene and environment for this type of product. 7 - Waste (recovery) Q; What does LR do in terms of waste recovery?* The Saint Jean le Vieux site (cabinet department) is equipped with a large wood-fired boiler which uses our off-cuts of wood to heat the entire 45,000m2 factory floor. Our fuel consumption is thus practically nil. It goes without saying that all emissions and ash from this boiler are monitored annually to ensure that they are below current guidelines. 8 - Suppliers Q: Does ligne roset care about the behaviour of their suppliers as well as themselves? Absolutely - some of our suppliers have achieved Awards for their commitment to environmental issues. We also try to ensure that we source the most environmentally sound product and materials suppliers. For example, our leather suppliers, whether Scandinavian or Italian, have been working for some years on a policy of both personal and environmental protection. Our Scandinavian supplier purchases hides from livestock of the highest quality where the animals are raised in comparative freedom. We remain vigilant and demanding and never hesitate to change supplier where necessary, either temporarily or permanently. 9 - The Workfare Q: What about your employee's welfare? Our production is almost entirely based in France, with our employees therefore under our direct management, which ensures we can maintain the highest levels of welfare for our staff. Ligne Roset was one of the first companies in the region to create a day-care centre for its employees. Today, its day nursery welcomes 35 children. Ongoing studies aim at improving the ergonomics of employee workstations. Ligne Roset has had a system of hoods installed on machines to eliminate noise pollution in order to ensure a pleasant work environment. Some years ago we improved the wood dust extraction system in our factories, bringing the level of dust expelled into the atmosphere down to levels far below that of the limits imposed by European legislation. We continue to reduce the levels as we consider our employees welfare of paramount importance. Finally - Our workforce is highly sensitised to sustainable development and respects the procedures put in place. Our 'P.R.O.' strategy (Propreté, Rangement, Ordre) is both rigorously enforced and continually updated. 10 - Our Commitment Q: Is LR really continually trying to improve the impact it has on the environment? Yes - for example year on year the volume of waste products we create diminish With constant and considerable effort we have succeeded in reducing both the tonnage of our waste and we are proud of this success. Cabinet Factories tonnage of waste sent for recycling - 2001 - 500 tonnes - 2002 - 400 tonnes. - 2006 - 300 tonnes. Upholstery Factories - In the financial year 2005-2006, the budget for 'Waste products - removal and recycling' in the Roset Company's upholstery department had reached £170,000. - For the financial year 2006-2007, it was only around £110,000, which is a decrease of 35%. Intervention at the highest levels What is more, Pierre Roset, Président Directeur général of the Roset Company, intervenes at the highest level of the European Commission in his capacity as representative of UNIFA: the industry is deeply committed to the theme of sustainable development and has achieved a number of important results - including the classification of panels of particleboard. 11 - Environmental concerns & FAQ Q: How do I know that if by buying my furniture from LR I am not doing harm to the environment?* If you look through all the environmental pages on this website, you can see all our commitments to reducing our impact on the environment, from using sustainable resources, recycling, reducing emissions and by simply having a common sense approach to caring for the environment and people around us. See our glossary (below) for particular topic areas that are of interest to you. If you have any particular questions about our environmental policy please email: environment@ligne-roset.co.uk 12 - Glossary Air pollution and emissions Air pollution is the modification of the natural characteristics of the atmosphere by a chemical, particulate matter, or biological agent. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems. Eco-DesignL "the integration of environment aspects into the products development process, by balancing ecological and economic requirements. Eco-design considers environmental aspects at all stages of the product development process, striving for products which make the lowest possible environment impact throughout the product cycle life." UNEP 2001 Ecosystem A dynamic system of plants, animals, and micro-organisms and their non-living environment, which form a functional unit through their interaction. Greenhouse effect A phenomenon in which the lowest layers of the atmosphere prevent the re-emission of the sun's rays that have already hit the Earth. The air temperature is then higher than it should be, because the lower layers of the atmosphere contain gases (CO2, CH4, water vapor) that trap the heat radiation sent back by the Earth. This is a natural phenomenon that is increased by the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due to human activities. Hazardous industrial waste Toxic waste materials resulting from an industrial activity, the destination of which (elimination or recycling) requires special precautions in order to protect the environment. Non-hazardous industrial waste Waste materials resulting from an industrial activity that can be classified with consumer or household waste (plastics, paper, cardboard, etc.). See recycling. Recycling Minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste (.i.e. recycling of aluminum cans, paper, and bottles, etc.). Sustainable development "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Brundtland Report, 1987. Sustainable materials "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Waste recovery A generic term that covers "material" recycling (re-use, waste recycling) and energy recovery (incineration of waste with recover of energy in the form of electricity of heat)

Roset & the environment

1 - Our philosophy

Luxury doesn't have to cost the earth - our philosophy of common sense.

Our commitment:

"The admirable location in which the Roset Company has evolved since its conception reminds us daily of our duties as ecocitizens. We owe it the greatest respect."
Pierre Roset
Président Directeur Général

For me, sustainable development begins with the pleasure we derive from working in this remarkable location. When one has the good fortune to grow and develop in an environment of such quality, one naturally wants to protect it. I am convinced that the beauty of a site and the proximity of nature all play their a part in the blossoming of creativity.

In the 1970s, when the ecological movement took off in France, the Roset Company was already practising an environmental philosophy of simple good sense.

As the Roset Company developed, the risk of damaging the environment we hold so dear could have risen in consequence. And yet, our activities are generating less and less pollution. This is explained by our own vigilance, and by the demands we make both of our suppliers and ourselves. Every reliable solution guaranteeing increased protection of persons and better stewardship of natural resources holds our attention, regardless of whether it might entail additional costs at the outset.

We have never ceased to be on the lookout for products that marry performance with non-toxicity, 'cleaner' solutions, more eco -citizenly reflexes. This is how we have managed more than once to pre-empt legislation for the protection of both our personnel and the environment.

Far more than a strategy, we favour a philosophy imprinted with respect for human beings and their environment, whether it be in the training of our staff, our choice of suppliers, or the management of our waste.

Our environmental practice is nurtured by the concepts that have always guided us: creativity, innovation and quality.

Pierre Roset, Président Directeur Général of the Roset Company, intervenes at the highest level of the European Commission in his capacity as representative of UNIFA*: the industry is deeply committed to the theme of sustainable development and has achieved a number of important results - including the classification of panels of particleboard.

*Union Nationale des Industriels Fabricants pour l'Ameublement

2 - Eco -design

Q: Tell me about ligne roset's commitment to Eco-design.

The FCBA (Forêts, Cellulose, Bois et Ameublement) has produced several recommendations and proposals to assist manufacturers in formulating their environmental approach, which ligne roset are committed to following.

Adhering to the concept of Eco-design the components of the products we design are increasingly separable. This is to ensure that as much of the product can be separated and recycled as possible. This is achieved through the choice of materials used and the limitation of their number, a great deal of research into products (e.g. easily removable glues), and maximum product improvement in order to encourage economy of materials and energy plus ease of transportation and handling. For example, in the design of our cabinet furniture, thick panels are alveolar, with cardboard honeycombing.

We also assess the environmental issues associated with the product for the duration of its lifecycle and aim to limit the impact production has on the environment.

3 - Recycling

Q: Does ligne roset recycle waste and use recyclable materials?

Waste management is clearly an integral part of our approach to sustainable development. The personnel employed in the Company's factories are extremely conscious of this issue.

Reducing Amounts of waste
With constant and considerable effort we have also succeeded in reducing the amounts of waste we produce year on year. We reduced waste from 500 tonnes of recycling in 2001 to 300 tonnes in 2006.

Materials we recycle:

Neon tubes, printer cartridges, batteries
Cardboard and similar - all our packaging is stamped with the 'recyclable' logo.
Polythene packaging film and polystyrene
Metals (inc aluminium)
Industrial cleaning cloths (which is regularly analysed to check that it contains no toxic substances).
'Duflines' (protective sheets & interleaving for varnished pieces being transported between factories in pallets)
Fabrics, micro fibres and hides.
Foam off-cuts are also reducing in quantity year on year thanks to developments in our positioning software. They are recycled by a company making tatamis (Japanese mats), exterior carpeting, etc.

Each eco citizenly gesture counts
In each of our sites there are dedicated receptacles for paper and card, printer cartridges, and aluminium cans from drinks machines.

An entire factory heated by wood waste
In the factory of Saint Jean le Vieux (cabinet department) the suction system enables us to transfer wood by-products (off cuts from panels, machine dust, etc.) directly into the wood-fired boiler. This waste is used to heat the 484,376 square foot factory; therefore, not a single piece of particleboard needs to be dealt with externally, and our fuel consumption is virtually zero.

Our constant commitment
All waste products generated are rigorously monitored and managed. All waste is sorted and evaluated. We take great pains to keep ourselves abreast of developments in this field, making improvements to our processes where necessary, both to reduce our waste and to recycle waste products more easily and effectively.

4 - Hazardous waste?

Q: Does ligne roset use hazardous materials or create hazardous waste?

By virtue of 'clean' manufacturing, our furniture and upholstery do not let off gases or create toxic waste in the home of the consumer. We only use products and materials recommended by the FCBA (Forêts, Cellulose, Bois et Ameublement), that comply with all European norms.

Adhesives for polyurethane foam
In 2004, we were amongst the very first in the industry to substitute solvent-based glues for the water-based variety. These 'clean' glues also make it easier to clean equipment and tools, in particular spray guns. And of course, less product cleaning means less residue and therefore less pollution.

Adhesives for wood veneer
We use vinyl glues for this purpose, which have no impact on the environment and can easily be cleaned off tools and machinery by rinsing with water.

No more 'CMR' products
We have progressively, and now entirely, eliminated CMR* products (particularly solvents), substituting them with products which are just as reliable and more ecological. Each chemical product which enters our factories much, be accompanied by its security slip, detailing its composition and potential dangerousness. In addition, we carry out regular evaluations of the chemical constituents used in our production. * Carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to the reproductive system of human beings.

Solvents for cleaning machinery
These are the only type of products to contain solvents with volatile organic compounds (COV's). After use, they are collected and recycled. Interestingly, 100 litres of unclean solvents make 70 litres of clean solvents, with the remaining 30% being destroyed. We have carried out numerous tests with plans to switch to agro-solvents, but the results were unsatisfactory: the level of toxicity is still too high, and the recycling too complicated. We are currently looking into the possibility of evolving our cleaning solvents in terms of their composition, in close collaboration with our associates in Annemasse.

Our aim is to create zero hazardous waste and use no hazardous materials at all.

5 - Sustainable materials

Q: Are ligne roset products from sustainable sources?

Yes - for example we use local or European wood for our products. Our products make use of solid wood. Yet, we have no part in the destruction of South American (most notably Amazonian), African or South Asian forests. Conscious of the pressing need to protect this natural heritage, we exclusively use 'bois d'origine PESC', that is, European wood products: oak, walnut, ash and beech originating from sustainable ecologically managed forests certified by the French government.

6 - Factory pollution

Along with all other effects Ligne Roset has on the environment, we also takes air pollution seriously.

Varnishes
For example for the past 10 years we have been using UV acrylic varnishes that are hardened using UV lights which results in no release of by-products. Unlike most other furniture manufacturers, our varnishes require no solvents.

Panels and Particleboard
Secondly all particleboard panels used for cabinetry meet the requirements of emissions grade E1 (for formaldehyde), meaning that they do not exceed the threshold value of 0.01 ppm set by the French Ministry of Health. Panels have been checked under current analyses and carry the CTBA certification dated 2nd January 2006. Our particleboard: fungicides, biocides, heavy metals nor halogenated compounds.

Panels
In the case of a finished product, all panels fall well below the prescribed limits of formaldehyde emissions, since they are veneered not only on both faces, but also on all four edges. Nor do we use PVC edging as this is very difficult to recycle and emits toxic fumes when burnt.

Foams
For bedding purposes we use high-quality foams from Recticel, which are guaranteed CFC-free and certified CertiPUR. The allocation of this mark notably guarantees either the total absence of heavy metals, or their use within strict limits. Foams certified in this way will therefore emit no toxic substances during the course of their life.

We chose to work with foams bearing this mark for reasons of safety, hygiene and health both in our workshops and in the homes of our customers. This choice forms part of our on-going consideration of the social impact of our business. Finally, our foams are transported in 'camions-presse', in order to optimise the number of blocks that can be transported in each truck.

*The CertiPUR mark was created to establish a standard in terms of safety, hygiene and environment for this type of product.

7 - Waste (recovery)

Q; What does LR do in terms of waste recovery?

The Saint Jean le Vieux site (cabinet department) is equipped with a large wood-fired boiler which uses our off-cuts of wood to heat the entire 45,000m2 factory floor. Our fuel consumption is thus practically nil. It goes without saying that all emissions and ash from this boiler are monitored annually to ensure that they are below current guidelines.

8 - Suppliers

Q: Does ligne roset care about the behaviour of their suppliers as well as themselves?

Absolutely - some of our suppliers have achieved Awards for their commitment to environmental issues.

We also try to ensure that we source the most environmentally sound product and materials suppliers. For example, our leather suppliers, whether Scandinavian or Italian, have been working for some years on a policy of both personal and environmental protection. Our Scandinavian supplier purchases hides from livestock of the highest quality where the animals are raised in comparative freedom.

We remain vigilant and demanding and never hesitate to change supplier where necessary, either temporarily or permanently.

9 - The Workfare

Q: What about your employee's welfare?

Our production is almost entirely based in France, with our employees therefore under our direct management, which ensures we can maintain the highest levels of welfare for our staff.
Ligne Roset was one of the first companies in the region to create a day-care centre for its employees. Today, its day nursery welcomes 35 children.
Ongoing studies aim at improving the ergonomics of employee workstations.
Ligne Roset has had a system of hoods installed on machines to eliminate noise pollution in order to ensure a pleasant work environment.
Some years ago we improved the wood dust extraction system in our factories, bringing the level of dust expelled into the atmosphere down to levels far below that of the limits imposed by European legislation. We continue to reduce the levels as we consider our employees welfare of paramount importance.

Finally - Our workforce is highly sensitised to sustainable development and respects the procedures put in place. Our 'P.R.O.' strategy (Propreté, Rangement, Ordre) is both rigorously enforced and continually updated.

10 - Our Commitment

Q: Is LR really continually trying to improve the impact it has on the environment?

Yes - for example year on year the volume of waste products we create diminish

With constant and considerable effort we have succeeded in reducing both the tonnage of our waste and we are proud of this success.

Cabinet Factories tonnage of waste sent for recycling
- 2001 - 500 tonnes
- 2002 - 400 tonnes.
- 2006 - 300 tonnes.

Upholstery Factories
- In the financial year 2005-2006, the budget for 'Waste products - removal and recycling' in the Roset Company's upholstery department had reached £170,000.
- For the financial year 2006-2007, it was only around £110,000, which is a decrease of 35%.

Intervention at the highest levels
What is more, Pierre Roset, Président Directeur général of the Roset Company, intervenes at the highest level of the European Commission in his capacity as representative of UNIFA*: the industry is deeply committed to the theme of sustainable development and has achieved a number of important results - including the classification of panels of particleboard.

11 - Environmental concerns & FAQ

Q: How do I know that if by buying my furniture from LR I am not doing harm to the environment?

If you look through all the environmental pages on this website, you can see all our commitments to reducing our impact on the environment, from using sustainable resources, recycling, reducing emissions and by simply having a common sense approach to caring for the environment and people around us.

See our glossary (below) for particular topic areas that are of interest to you.

If you have any particular questions about our environmental policy please email: environment@ligne-roset.co.uk

12 - Glossary

Air pollution and emissions
Air pollution is the modification of the natural characteristics of the atmosphere by a chemical, particulate matter, or biological agent. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth's ecosystems.

Eco-DesignL
"the integration of environment aspects into the products development process, by balancing ecological and economic requirements. Eco-design considers environmental aspects at all stages of the product development process, striving for products which make the lowest possible environment impact throughout the product cycle life." UNEP 2001

Ecosystem
A dynamic system of plants, animals, and micro-organisms and their non-living environment, which form a functional unit through their interaction.

Greenhouse effect
A phenomenon in which the lowest layers of the atmosphere prevent the re-emission of the sun's rays that have already hit the Earth. The air temperature is then higher than it should be, because the lower layers of the atmosphere contain gases (CO2, CH4, water vapor) that trap the heat radiation sent back by the Earth. This is a natural phenomenon that is increased by the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases due to human activities.

Hazardous industrial waste
Toxic waste materials resulting from an industrial activity, the destination of which (elimination or recycling) requires special precautions in order to protect the environment.

Non-hazardous industrial waste
Waste materials resulting from an industrial activity that can be classified with consumer or household waste (plastics, paper, cardboard, etc.). See recycling.

Recycling
Minimizing waste generation by recovering and reprocessing usable products that might otherwise become waste (.i.e. recycling of aluminum cans, paper, and bottles, etc.).

Sustainable development
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Brundtland Report, 1987.

Sustainable materials
"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

Waste recovery
A generic term that covers "material" recycling (re-use, waste recycling) and energy recovery (incineration of waste with recover of energy in the form of electricity of heat)