This makes Columbia's Purebond the first domestically produced hardwood plywood brand to achieve this distinction. This assures that Columbia's customers are receiving panels that meet CARB Phase 2 formaldehyde emission limit of .05 parts per million.

Though the tough Phase 2 limit for veneer core plywood isn't scheduled to go into effect until January 2010, Purebond veneer core panels are Columbia's standard, and are available now.

Brad Thompson, Columbia Forest products President and CEO, said that this exemption "testifies to our decision to convert away from urea formaldehyde adhesives throughout our seven plywood operations in favor of our Purebond formulation. Over 35 million panels later, we are proud to offer our customers a formaldehyde-free veneer core panel as our mill standard - with improved moisture resistance as an added benefit."

Air Quality & Green

Purebond plywood contributes to the improvement of indoor air quality. As the "green" building movement gains acceptance, architects and building owners are looking towards the importance of improved indoor air quality as a key part of any new or renovation project. Americans send as much as 90% of their time indoors where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that the level of pollutants can cause occupants varying levels of discomfort as well as contribute to an increase in the number of people suffering from asthma and allergies. Improvement in indoor air quality is known to help students perform better in school, and to reduce the number of sick days taken by workers. One way to prevent air quality issues from arising is to specify materials, which release fewer or no volatile organic compounds (VOC's).

If you would like additional product or technical information, please go to Columbia Forest Products website at www.cfpwood.com

(July 2009)