FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2007

GREENGUARD® Certified Fabrics Now Available at Astrup

CLEVELAND, OH -­ Several popular fabrics carried by the Astrup Company have recently been certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) as low-emitting products. Sunbrella® fabrics and select SheerWeave® fabrics have earned the GREENGUARD® Certification which provides reassurance that these fabrics do not emit harmful air pollutants.

The GREENGUARD Certification Program is an industry-independent, third-party, indoor air quality testing program for products and materials. The program identifies acceptable levels of chemical emissions, determines the most rigorous testing procedures and then certifies products and materials that meet the organization’s stringent criteria. GREENGUARD evaluates over 75,000 chemicals, including volatile organic compounds, carcinogens and reproductive toxins, and tests on a quarterly basis to ensure continual compliance.

Recently, SheerWeave Styles 2000, 2100, 2360, 2390 and 2410 have been GREENGUARD certified. SheerWeave fabrics were the first window shade fabrics ever to be certified. Sunbrella fabrics, a leader in performance fabrics for more than 40 years, also recently qualified for GREENGUARD certification.

Both Sunbrella furniture fabrics and the SheerWeave fabrics also received the GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM Certification, which requires that products meet even more stringent standards to help limit pollutant exposure in schools and other settings that serve children and other sensitive individuals. Because the fabrics met the established criteria for low chemical emissions, they have been added to the GREENGUARD Online Product Guide (www.greenguard.org). This Guide is easily accessible and free of charge to anyone seeking products that will help protect indoor air quality.

"The level of interest in environmentally responsible products has never been greater than it is today," said Carl E. Smith, CEO of GEI, the Atlanta-based non-profit organization. "With so many products claiming to be 'green,' the GREENGUARD Certification Program represents an objective evaluation of one aspect of being an increasingly sustainable product."

About GEI
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an industry-independent, non-profit organization that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program. As an ANSI Authorized Standards Developer, GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. GEI’s mission is to improve public health and quality of life through programs that improve indoor air. A GEI Advisory Board consisting of independent volunteers, who are renowned experts in the areas of indoor air quality, public and environmental health, building design and construction, and public policy, provides guidance and leadership to GEI.

About Astrup
Astrup is the leading supplier of materials used in the manufacture of awnings, signs, tarpaulins, tents, indoor and outdoor furniture, umbrellas, marine products (tops and covers) and associated fabric products for residential, commercial and architectural applications. For more than 130 years, the Cleveland based company has made its products and services available through 14 strategically located distribution centers throughout North America. To obtain additional information, contact Astrup at 216-696-2820 or visit the company online at www.astrup.com / www.astruphospitality.com.

The Astrup Co.
2937 W. 25th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-696-2820
Website URL: www.astrup.com