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Press Release: Nov. 9, 2009
| Submittal Contact: | |
| Grace Jeffers | |
| NewMaterialsInfo@gmail.com |
Announcing the launch of Columbia Forest Product's PureBond® Fabricator Network (PFN)
Columbia Forest Products organizes a new on-line network of dedicated green cabinetmakers in the US and Canada, making it easy for consumers to find local, green, formaldehyde-free cabinets and furniture.
Greensboro, NC – “Where can I get new kitchen cabinets or children’s furniture made without added formaldehyde?” is a question Columbia Forest Products has repeatedly fielded since introducing their cost-neutral PureBond® formaldehyde-free hardwood plywood technology four years ago.
Answering this deceptively simple question is the goal of a unique program being made available to homeowners, builders, and architects today by Columbia, which is the largest hardwood plywood producer in North America.
Columbia has recruited a diverse group of green-minded manufacturers of cabinets, furniture, fixtures and millwork into the new “PureBond Fabricator Network” (PFN). The PFN will connect the dots between consumers and commercial project managers who seek green finished goods to install in their homes, schools, hospitals, stores and elsewhere.
An easy-to-use directory on the company’s website:
http://www.cfpwood.com/general/locator.aspx
makes it simple to find local, regional and national fabricators who offer top-quality wood products made with hardwood plywood featuring PureBond formaldehyde-free technology.
Todd Vogelsinger, Director of Marketing for Columbia Forest Products, says that the creation of the PFN was a direct response to inquiries the company receives from homeowners and trade professionals alike.
“The typical call is from somebody who has read up on indoor air quality and knows that they want to avoid introducing any VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) into their home or place of business. They tell us that they’ve heard of PureBond, but that their shop or store became confused or apprehensive when they started asking them about formaldehyde-free construction techniques.
“Many times, the customer was being told that doing the job with formaldehyde-free plywood would cost twice as much. We knew there was something wrong, because we offer our PureBond hardwood plywood without an upcharge,” said Vogelsinger.
“Through the PureBond Fabricator Network, we intend to inform and train today’s fabrication shops in the simple ways they can alter their material choices, and in turn begin offering their customers ‘clean and green’ finished goods that don’t carry the risk of added formaldehyde off-gassing.
“We recognize that the role composite wood products play in healthy interior environments can be perplexing and frustrating for everybody involved. It’s our goal to cut through the confusion and offer all sides a clear way through – while still keeping costs to a minimum,” said Vogelsinger.
Columbia has been working with Habitat for Humanity to demonstrate that formaldehyde-free wood products can be accessed by people at all economic levels. They are also working with other non-profit organizations such as Global Green and Make It Right to showcase their materials in cost-conscious and sustainably-minded Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts.
Columbia Forest Products’ veneer core hardwood plywood was the first such material to become certified as compliant with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulation, at the most stringent Phase 2 level – a year ahead of schedule. The CARB regulation is the world’s toughest standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood panels.
Important facts to know about formaldehyde
According to the IARC, formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reports formaldehyde is normally found both in indoor and outdoor environments, but should be present at less than .03ppm (parts per million). An elevated amount of formaldehyde within the home is considered to be 0.1- 0.3ppm. Pressed wood products (plywood, MDF) are one of the most common sources of formaldehyde, constituting nearly 20% of all VOC emissions in the home.
About Columbia Forest Products
Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America’s largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer, a leader in sustainable forestry, and innovator of formaldehyde-free PureBond technology. Employee-owned and based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Columbia employs more than 2,000 and operates facilities throughout the United States, Canada, and a global operational network.
