Orian Rugs in Full No-waste Mode

Anderson, S.C. — Orian wants its retailer customers to know that when it says it is "Goin' Green," as the company's recent eco-initiative is called, that translates to a waste-free attitude.

"We are a zero-landfill operation," said Paul Sullivan, Orian svp of sales and marketing. "That means we sort and recycle every bit of waste we produce in our plant. We don't contribute waste to any landfill — at all."

Starting with the plastic beverage bottles from which employees drink their water and soda, to the excess energy generated in the manufacturing process, Orian has been on a campaign to convert to more sustainable operations and methods for almost the past two years.

Sullivan said Orian, which produces all of its accent and area rugs domestically at its facility here, is looking to cover all of its bases in becoming greener.

"We've done a variety of things, from changing the light fixtures to energy-efficient fluorescents to replacing a gas boiler to high-efficiency mode," he said. "We collect and recycle all of our cardboard, our paper, batteries, everything."

The company also re-processes some of the energy it uses in product manufacturing to heat the plants during the winter months, he continued.

All leftover fibers and yarns used in producing the company's rugs are also collected and donated — some to concrete companies who use the fibers as concrete filler, and others to automotive companies who use the scraps to make some car parts.

Now that New York Home Fashions Market has arrived, Orian revamped its presentation of this effort to its retail customers with an updated and more comprehensive, "more prestigious" handout flier outlining Orian's "Goin' Green" initiatives and related efforts. It is available at the company's New York showroom at 286 Fifth Ave., second floor.

Next year, when Orian turns 30 years old, the company will further enhance its Goin' Green initiative with added programs.

And the consumer will be made just as aware. "We're letting people know we're 'Goin' Green' on all of our marketing materials and hang tags," Sullivan said.