
Case Study: Jani-King New Zealand
The Importance of Choosing Non-Toxic Materials
At Jani-King and JK Building Wellness, we pride ourselves on creating spaces that are both inspiring and healthy. Recently, a small change to our boardroom décor gave us a big reminder of how important material choices can be.
A Fresh Look… and an Unexpected Surprise
We introduced a new banner to brighten up our boardroom—bold colours, vibrant imagery, the perfect addition to the space. But soon after, our AirSuite monitors picked up something we couldn’t see: volatile organic compounds (VOCs) spiking whenever the boardroom doors were closed.
VOCs are chemicals often released by paints, inks, and materials. At high levels they can cause irritation, headaches, and over time contribute to more serious respiratory issues. It didn’t take long to realise that the freshly printed banner was the source.
Taking Action
- We introduced regular ventilation during and after boardroom use.
- We added an air purifier, which has helped keep VOC levels under control.
- Most importantly, we raised awareness internally—reminding our team that even décor choices can impact indoor air quality.
The Lesson Learned
While we love the atmosphere the banner brings, we also learned that not all products are created equal. Going forward, we’re committed to choosing non-toxic, low-VOC materials, whether it’s banners, paints, or cleaning products.
The Result
The boardroom is now healthier and more comfortable, and our team is more conscious than ever about the role materials play in air quality. What started as a décor update turned into a valuable lesson in workplace wellness.
Key Insight
It’s not just what you see in the office that matters—it’s what you can’t see. Choosing non-toxic materials makes a real difference to health, wellbeing, and sustainability