Thank you for your excellent question about the sustainability of our outdoor bench manufacturing process. This is a topic we're truly passionate about, and we're committed to transparency in our journey toward greater environmental responsibility.
Our sustainability efforts are integrated throughout the entire manufacturing lifecycle. We begin with material selection, where we prioritize FSC-certified wood from responsibly managed forests, recycled aluminum that requires 95% less energy to process than virgin material, and recycled plastics that give new life to approximately 1,200 plastic bottles per bench.
In our production facilities, we've implemented significant energy reductions through solar panel installations that now power over 60% of our operations. We've also achieved a closed-loop water system in our finishing processes, dramatically reducing water consumption and ensuring no industrial runoff enters local ecosystems. Any waste material generated during production is systematically sorted and recycled, with our current manufacturing waste diversion rate standing at an impressive 94%.
Durability is another crucial aspect of sustainability. Our benches are engineered to withstand decades of use in various climates, reducing the need for frequent replacement and minimizing long-term resource consumption. We achieve this through rigorous weather-resistant coatings, robust joinery techniques, and corrosion-resistant hardware.
We're continuously innovating to improve our environmental performance, from exploring bio-based resins to implementing more efficient logistics. While we're proud of our progress, we acknowledge that true sustainability is an ongoing commitment rather than a final destination.
We believe that creating beautiful, functional outdoor furniture shouldn't come at the expense of our planet, and we're dedicated to proving this through our manufacturing practices every day.