Formaldehyde: Contributing to a Sustainable Future for Wood Products

Formaldehyde: Contributing to a Sustainable Future for Wood Products Cabinets & Moulding Oriented Strand Board (OSB) Wood Chips The Chemistry of Formaldehyde Particleboard & Fiberboard Laminated Wood Waste Sawdust Countertops Renewable High Performance Efficient Wood Fiber & Wood Waste Formaldehyde Resins Composite Wood Panels Longer Lifespan Quality Value Formaldehyde is a natural substance produced by every living organism. Studies have shown that formaldehyde does not accumulate in the environment, people, plants or animals. Durability Workability Performance 63% 95% vs Composite Wood Panels are typically made from recovered wood waste that Only 63% of a tree can be used for solid lumber. Composite panels allow 95% use of every tree. would otherwise be burned or disposed of in a landfill, so they allow us to make better use of wood fiber. Formaldehyde-based resins help the utilization rate of wood resources, resulting in a wide variety of value-added composite wood products. Technical Performance Economic Value Carbon Neutral Currently, there is no alternative that can provide a better combination of technical performance and economic value than formaldehyde-based resins. Over the course of 100 years, net GHG emissions associated with wood-based houses are 20% to 50% lower than Wood panel products can be carbon neutral based on greenhouse gas emissions. Formaldehyde-based glues and resins provide versatility and innovative solutions to wood products. emissions associated with thermally comparable houses using steel or concrete-based building systems. Stringent Formaldehyde Regulations and Emissions Standards in North America Product Stewardship U.S. EPA Clean California Air Resources The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act The Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Sustainability Standard Air Act Standards Board (CARB) With the industry's support, the Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, signed into law in 2010, Nearly 100% of N. American composite panel manufacturers comply with the CARB formaldehyde emissions regulation, established a framework for the regulation the world's most stringent product testing and certification standard. The Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Sustainability Standard and Certification Program is a voluntary industry standard developed by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) for composite wood panels and finished products made with particleboard, MDF, hardboard and engineered wood siding and trim. Emissions from the composite wood panel manufacturing process meet all U.S. EPA Clean Air Act standards. of formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products at the national level. www.FormaldehydeFacts.org o 2013 American Chemistry Council, Inc. All rights reserved.