PureBond® veneer-faced plywood selected as a 100 Top Materials for a special exhibit at NeoCon 2011 at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago
Greensboro, NC – Design historian Grace Jeffers is a pioneer in the study of materials. Her work has impacted how we look at materials, urging us to look beyond aesthetics to a deeper significance. Her work examines not only what something is, but also how it was made and the impact of that manufacturing process.
NeoCon is where today's architecture and interior design leaders go to learn about the latest and the greatest in materials and products. When Interiors & Sources magazine asked Jeffers to pull a special curated section, Columbia Forest Products PureBond veneer core hardwood plywood products produced with soy-based PureBond® formaldehyde-free resin technology was one of the first materials she selected.
"As a curator of materials I am interested in the complete life cycle of the material. From the sustainable management of natural resources to the health and safety of the factory workers as well as that of the people who ultimately have to live with the materials on a daily basis," explains Jeffers. "PureBond veneer core hardwood plywood is an established material with a proven track record of economy of materials and usefulness. However, the advent of formaldehyde-free materials is one of the most important stories of this decade and Columbia Forest Products was the leader in developing the ultimate formaldehyde free product. Most companies evolve their materials, slowly over time. Columbia saw the importance of this and did not compromise. Their pioneering work stands as a benchmark and should be an inspiration to others."
"People often make the mistake of thinking that they understand a material just because it is established. Veneer faced hardwood plywood is not a new material. But what is significant here is what you cannot see. It's what you cannot see that can be extremely harmful. PureBond hardwood plywood has been checked for VOC emissions, and formaldehyde in particular. Just as lead (Pb) has become completely unacceptable in our interiors, materials which off-gas harmful chemicals are becoming equally intolerable. PureBond gives us a worry free alternative," says Jeffers.
About NeoCon
NeoCon is an annual architectural and interior design trade conference that presents new innovations to the design industry, with a yearly attendance of over 35,000 individuals. It is hosted by The Merchandise Mart of Chicago and is considered one of the most important design trade fairs in the world.
About Columbia Forest Products
Founded in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America's largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. Columbia's decorative interior veneers and panels are used in cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork and commercial fixtures. Employee-owned and based in Greensboro, North Carolina, Columbia employs more than 2,000 and operates facilities in locations throughout the United States and Canada, and an operational network which spans the globe.
For more information, visit
cfpwood.com or email
cfpmarketing@cfpwood.com.
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