Press Release

Kaba Lodging Systems Offers “Green” Keycards

Green Keys Offered by SAFLOK and ILCO Brands

Montreal, Quebec, Canada – April 22, 2009

To celebrate Earth Day, Kaba Lodging Systems (KLS) is introducing a new “green” option for hotels. KLS unveiled two types of environmentally friendly keycards today.  

The “green keys” are made either from 100-percent recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic or from polylactide acid (PLA) plastic. The high-performance PLA is made from a corn byproduct and is both recyclable and biodegradable.

Both key types function like traditional magnetic stripe keycards, carrying important information such as a guest’s room number, duration of the stay, and an encrypted lock access code recorded onto track three.

A leading global electronic lock provider, KLS expects hotels will be receptive to these green keys. “Leading flags have indicated a preference for green keys over traditional plastic keys,” says Kerry Hirschy, vice president of sales and marketing, Kaba Lodging Systems.

“The environmental benefits derived from using green keys are significant,” he says. An average 100-room hotel property uses approximately 10,000 keycards annually. This adds up to approximately 25 kilograms – or roughly 50 pounds – of materials.

“Our green keys will help tip the scales against adding more non-biodegradable waste to landfills. The introduction of these keys is part of our continued effort toward environmental responsibility and sustainable development.”

The availability of KLS’ green keycards is another part of the organization’s Green Program. “Launched in 2007, the Green Program reflects our commitment to an improved environment and to resource sustainability,” says Hirschy. “We have a line of RoHS-compliant SAFLOK and ILCO locks. Our brands may also help properties earn LEED points.”

In the European Union, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) bans placing on the market new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. In the United States, Canada, and other countries, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is a performance-based rating system where building construction projects earn points and certification for addressing specific environmental impacts.

About Kaba ILCO Inc.

Kaba Ilco Inc. is a leader in electronic access control solutions for the lodging industry. Through its flagship ILCO brand, it has a security system for virtually every access control application or security need. The company’s many successes derive from its mission to deliver customer satisfaction and its commitment to offering state-of-the-art electronic locks.

www.ilcolodging.com
1.877.468.3555

About SAFLOK

SAFLOK has been a member of the Kaba group since its acquisition in 2006. As a market innovator, SAFLOK has nearly 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and distributing electronic locks and systems.  Its solutions are installed globally in the hospitality, lodging, multihousing, and commercial markets. SAFLOK is committed to delivering best in class solutions that help properties achieve improved operations and reduced costs.

www.saflok.com
1.877.272.3565

About Kaba Holding AG

Kaba is a globally active, publicly traded security corporation. With its “Total Access” strategy, the Kaba Group is specialized in integrated solutions for security, organization, and convenience at building and information access points. Kaba is also the world market’s number-one provider of key blanks, key-cutting and coding machines, transponder keys, and high-security locks. It is a leading provider of electronic access systems, locks, master key systems, hotel locking systems, security doors, and automatic doors.

www.kaba.com