Loll diverts 97.4% of waste from landfills with a goal of zero waste by reaching 100% diversion. We achieved a Gold level Certification from the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) rating system administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) for our efforts as a sustainable company that creates sustainable products from 100% recyclable materials. This certification highlights the sustainability efforts that Loll Designs has pursued since our founding in 2007. 

Why Zero Waste?  

Founded on the principles of thoughtful design, the responsible use/reuse of recycled materials, and a deep appreciation for the environment, our commitment to sustainability continues to drive us, not only in how our products are designed and manufactured, but as an overarching mindset for everyone at Loll Designs. 

TrueRide used HDPE and Richlite (a composite wood) materials to create ramps for municipal skate parks. As a way to reduce material waste created during the ramp production process, we began creating Adirondack chairs for friends and family from the scrap material. This evolved into the creation of Loll Designs, creating durable outdoor furniture from 100% recyclable materials and the designing the first ever modern style Adirondack chair.  

What is TRUE?  

TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) is a rating system created by The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) to help commercial facilities understand the waste they are producing and how they can change their impact on the planet to pursue zero waste by reducing their carbon footprint. GBCI began in 2008 and is a third-party company that administers project certifications, professional credentials, and certificates within the framework of several programs including TRUE and the well known U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems.  

The goal of TRUE is a whole systems approach aimed at changing how materials flow through society, resulting in no waste. TRUE encourages the redesign of resource lifecycles so that all products are reused as a part of a circular economy. TRUE promotes processes that consider the entire lifecycle of products used within a facility through their certification process.  

TRUE Certification uses a tiered point system with points being awarded for categories including; recycling materials, waste reduction, closed loop waste management, zero waste reporting/tracking, and more for a total of 81 potential points. Along with needing at least 31 out of 81 points to be considered for any level of TRUE Certification, an organization must also meet the seven program requirements. 

Why Did Loll Pursue TRUE Certification? 

In our goal of reaching zero waste and doing right by our planet, we sought a third-party certification that would look at our company as a whole beyond our manufacturing, leading us to TRUE Certification. While our products are already Cradle to Cradle certified, the TRUE certification gives us another view into how to reach zero waste as a part of the circular economy.

How Did Loll Achieve TRUE GOLD Certification?  

We achieved the TRUE GOLD level of certification through diverting 97.4% of all waste from landfills along with receiving points in several categories on the TRUE scorecard. These categories include redesign, reuse, diversion, and leadership, along with several other credit categories. 

Redesign:  

Loll Designs modern outdoor furniture designs put sustainability at the forefront. We intentionally work sustainable design into our products through the ability to repair and replace pieces of our furniture as needed to keep folks lollygagging longer. Then when our product has reached the end of its long life it can be fully recycled and used to create something new.    

Reuse: 

7% of our diverted materials comes from our ability and commitment to reuse materials in our manufacturing and in our daily HQ experience. From reusing recycled pallets and custom upcycled tools, to eliminating single use dishware with only reusable options for our company events and daily use.  

Diversion: 

This TRUE credit category requires that the company diverts at least 90% of their waste from landfills and at Loll Designs, we have reached 97.4% of total diverted waste through our reuse and recycling of materials along with our companywide composting program.  

Leadership:  

As a leader in sustainability, we promote responsible waste management with suppliers, customers, and our community. Leading by example not only reduces our footprint but also helps advance action with and for our community. 

These are just a few highlights from categories that we scored in while working to become TRUE Certified.  

In 2024 we began to formally track our diversion rate through an annual waste audit. This audit showed that we are currently diverting 97.4% of waste and qualified us for TRUE GOLD level certification. It also created a baseline to use so we can continue to increase our diversion of waste intentionally until we reach 100% diversion as a zero-waste company, a goal we have always pursued.

“This TRUE Gold achievement is a proud moment, as it recognizes all the ways Loll’s endeavors in zero waste contribute to the circular economy and a sustainable future.” - Stated the President of Loll Designs, Eric Swanson.

We are proud to be a TRUE GOLD certified manufacturing facility and look forward to our continued wins as a sustainable company until we reach the highest level of certification, TRUE PLATINUM certified.