Imagine a work desk that minimises wastage and reduces tree logging. But, Sonia Zuvela, a creative employee from Corporate Express, has designed just such a work desk to offer businesses a more environmental alternative.

The ENVIROdesk was designed to be cut from sheets of pre-finished board in such a way that minimises material wastage by maximising usable board. After use, the desk can be fully recycled.
 
"We recognised that there was a hole in the market for this type of product and we were seeking out an environmental alternative," Zuvela said.

"The desks can be cut from E0 board - a pre-finished board that has no formaldehyde content so it is free from toxic emissions - with very little waste per sheet.

"I drew up various sheets of board and tried to fit all the components together onto the sheets with the least amount of material waste.  I was able to get two workstations onto one sheet of board measuring 3200 by 1800.

"I spend some time with manufactures to learn about the cutting processes and wastage and to get an understanding of the machinery," she said.


Corporate Express launched the ENVIROdesk in August 2005.

 
"The desk can be returned to Corporate Express and re-cut to be used as secondary components in other furniture, such as bases of drawer boxes. The timber can also be returned and pulped and reintroduced with virgin timber to make new boards.

"The project took six months, from idea to first prototype. There were a few minor adjustments to the prototype, but not much difference to the final product being sold now.

"We wanted the cost to be comparative to similar products that are not environmentally friendly. It has been well received in government agencies and with designers," she said.

The ENVIROdesk retails for around $430 and is sold through Corporate Express.