By Healthcare Facilities Today

KI has introduced the world’s first carbon-negative chair at Greenbuild 2013 made with AirCarbon —a revolutionary, paradigm-shifting thermoplastic developed by California-based Newlight Technologies. Newlight’s patented manufacturing technology captures carbon that would otherwise be in the air and converts it into AirCarbon. KI will be the exclusive provider of AirCarbon in the contract furniture industry.

"By using carbon that would otherwise be in the air we are breathing right now, AirCarbon turns everyday goods into products that actually improve the environment," said Mark Herrema, CEO, Newlight. "Combined with a cost profile that is more favorable than oil-based plastics, AirCarbon has the potential to change the world."

Inspired by carbon-capturing processes found in nature, and as a result of Newlight's breakthroughs in gas conversion yield and polymer performance, AirCarbon-based materials can replicate the performance of oil-based plastics while significantly out-competing on price, representing a market-driven solution to displacing oil, reducing material cost and stabilizing climate change.

“AirCarbon represents the future of sustainability and is on the cutting-edge of sustainable manufacturing practices, “ said Dick Resch, CEO, KI. “We’re excited to introduce AirCarbon to our customers, who emphasize good stewardship of the environment and want to do business with companies that share that commitment.”

Upon completion of lifecycle analysis and environmental testing in early 2014, KI will begin introducing AirCarbon into some of its most successful product lines, including the Strive and Grazie seating collections.

 KI manufactures innovative furniture and movable wall system solutions for education (college and university and K-12),healthcare, government and corporate markets. The employee-owned company is headquartered in Green Bay, Wis. and operates sales offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe and Asia. KI tailors products and service solutions to the specific needs of each customer through its unique design and manufacturing philosophy. For more information, visit www.ki.com.

Founded in 2003, Newlight Technologies has invented and commercialized AirCarbon. Newlight's customers and product development partners include some of the largest manufacturers in the world, including Fortune 500 companies and brand-name market leaders. In recognition of the company's technological and commercialization achievements, Newlight was named "Most Innovative Company of the Year " in 2013 by the American Business Awards. For more information, visitwww.aircarbon.com.