Steelcase Receives First McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle to Cradle Certification for a Powered Workstation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Steelcase Inc. (NYSE: SCS) , an international work effectiveness company, today received a silver MBDC Cradle to Cradle Certification for an entire powered workstation at the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo presented by the U.S. Green Building Council. The certification marks a first in the contract furniture industry, and is one of five Steelcase offerings featured at the show with the Cradle to Cradle Certification.

The Cradle to Cradle Product Certification places a major emphasis on the human and ecological health impacts of a material's ingredients, and focuses on the ability to recycle or safely compost that material. In addition to stringent material criteria, which includes prohibiting the use of PVC, companies seeking this certification are required to meet strict criteria for social fairness and corporate practices and ethics.

"Steelcase continues to demonstrate a true commitment to the cradle-to-cradle design concept through its material choices, product designs and advanced manufacturing processes," said William McDonough, architect, designer and co-founder of McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry.

Steelcase's powered workstation consists of panels, wood worksurfaces, and overhead and floor-based storage. The certification recognizes the use of ecologically-intelligent materials and cradle-to-cradle product design in the products and storage components of Steelcase's Answer(R) system.

"Steelcase began the Cradle to Cradle workstation certification process with Answer because it is one of the best selling systems products in the world, so it should have immediate and widespread impact. This may be the first, but we expect all of our leading systems products to achieve this certification within the next six to 12 months," said Allan Smith, vice president, global environmental strategy and programs, Steelcase Inc.

"Additionally, by the end of this calendar year, we anticipate that all materials -- more than 300 -- used in the North American product portfolio will be assessed by MBDC," Smith noted. "This achievement is an outcome of more than two years of research and analysis of the various materials used in all existing and new Steelcase products. It is also a reflection of our commitment to eliminate PVC in our portfolio by 2012. The analysis was conducted by MBDC against 19 human and environmental health criteria, down to 100 parts per million. To extend this commitment, we are expanding this program globally to ensure that all existing and future materials undergo a chemistry assessment."

In another industry first, PolyVision, a Steelcase company, introduced the world's first and only silver Cradle to Cradle certified whiteboards featuring its new e3 environmental ceramicsteel(TM) surface. Edge(TM), an example of the new Cradle to Cradle certified whiteboard line will be showcased at Greenbuild.

"As PolyVision is the world's leading manufacturer of whiteboards and ceramicsteel surfaces, the impact of this new ecologically intelligent offering will have an immediate impact," said Mike Dunn, President and CEO of PolyVision. "The Cradle to Cradle certification is another milestone in a worldwide program for PolyVision as the company seeks to meet and exceed local environmental requirements."

PolyVision's complete marker, chalk, and tack board product portfolio achieved GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality(TM) Certification and GREENGUARD for Children and Schools(TM) Certification in June 2006.

Additionally, Steelcase received an upgrade to gold for the Think(R) chair (specific models) and silver certification for its Move(TM) chair. The Poly(TM) chair by Metro also received a silver certification. All products are on display at Greenbuild from November 15-17, 2006 at the Colorado Convention Center, booth 501.

About Steelcase Inc.

Steelcase, the global leader in the office furniture industry, helps people have a better work experience by providing products, services and insights into the ways people work. The company designs and manufactures architecture, furniture and technology products. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Steelcase (NYSE: SCS) serves customers through a network of more than 800 independent dealers and approximately 13,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2006 revenue was $2.9 billion. Learn more at http://www.steelcase.com/ .

About PolyVision Corporation, a Steelcase Company

PolyVision Corporation enhances the way people learn, work and communicate visually through a broad portfolio of products. Since 1954, PolyVision has focused on creating products and services that inspire users to be more productive, effective and creative when collaborating and communicating visually. Whether it is developing the world's number one selling P3 ceramicsteel(R) surface, or creating the industry's first walk-up-and-use interactive whiteboard, PolyVision has an unparalleled track record of new breakthroughs in the visual communication market. For more information, visit http://www.polyvision.com/ .