Products - November 2006

Retroplate Concrete Polishing
Combining European stone polishing techniques with mineralizing chemical treatments developed in the U.S., the RetroPlate Concrete Polishing System grinds, polishes, and densifies old or new concrete floors to achieve very low-maintenance, extremely durable high-sheen finished floors for schools, retail stores, warehouse and industrial buildings, office buildings, and homes. A uniform finish or a terrazzo look are options, as is coloring via acid dyes, pigments, or colored aggregate. The structure-as-finish system is free of VOCs, epoxies, polyurethanes, waxes, and strippers, and requires no caustic or acidic cleaning or maintenance compounds. Advanced Floor Products, Inc.; Provo, Utah. www.retroplatesystem.com; phone: 888-942-3144

Metro Furniture
The Poly Seating line from Metro, a Steelcase Company, is named after its primary material: polyester. The organically shaped, molded PET shells of the side and swivel chairs, lounges, and ottomans are bonded-by polyester glue-with 100 percent recycled polyester fabric (available in ten colors) and mounted on simple metal frames. Designed for easy disassembly, the Poly line is completely recyclable through the Steelcase Environmental Partnership Program. It has been Cradle-to-Cradle Silver certified by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) and indoor air quality certified by Greenguard. Metro; Oakland. www.metrofurniture.com; phone: 510-567-5200

Green Touchscreen
An important and far too often overlooked part of green buildings is their capacity to educate occupants. GreenTouchscreen's dynamic, interactive, touch-screen kiosks provide a wide range of information on, for example, a building's current and historical energy consumption, control systems, design features, and materials use. They can be Web-enabled for easy updating, and may include many other useful features, such as building directories, campus maps, and virtual tours. Screens range in size from 17 to 50 inches and come in freestanding enclosures, on stands, or in wall-mounted models. GreenTouchscreen uses Energy Star-rated hardware. GreenTouchscreen; Ames, Iowa. www.greentouchscreen.com; phone: 515-956-1599

Kronopol Sonic Floor
Swiss flooring giant Kronopol has introduced Sonic Floor to the U.S. market. This FSC-certified laminate flooring features an integral noise-reducing underpad of felt and rubber. The floating floor pieces snap together so they don't require gluing or underlay. Available in 54-inch lengths for fast installation, the floor has very low VOC and formaldehyde emissions. Kronopol is one of only a few manufacturers to have FSC certification for its entire range of products. Kronopol; Rexdale, Ont., Canada. www.kronopol.com; phone: 888-276-6648