Non-Toxic Technology.
Soy-Based Adhesive.
Cost-Competitive.
North American Made.
And only from Columbia Forest Products.

The original cost-competitive decorative hardwood plywood without the formaldehyde. PureBond® is Columbia Forest Products' exclusive formaldehyde-free innovation for hardwood plywood manufacturing.

Replacing traditional urea formaldehyde (UF) hardwood plywood construction with non-toxic, soy-based PureBond enables Columbia to eliminate any added formaldehyde from standard veneer-core and non-UF composite hardwood plywood core panels. That's great news for our employees, our customers and the air we all breathe.

Formaldehyde-free

When we say PureBond technology is "formaldehyde-free", we're describing the way our hardwood plywood panels are comprised of no added urea formaldehyde components and assembled with no added urea formaldehyde adhesives.

Columbia's formaldehyde-free decorative panels are also compliant with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, earning one point for LEED's EQ Credit 4.4 for Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood, and satisfy the emissions standards of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 regulations.

Less cost, more benefit

What really makes PureBond special is that it's cost-competitive with the standard UF construction of most decorative veneer-core hardwood plywood that's made today. That means PureBond is substantially less expensive than many other no-added-formaldehyde alternatives currently available.

Additionally, PureBond is even more water resistant than UF panels. PureBond panels with formaldehyde-free technology have out-performed UF bonded panels in all moisture degradation tests. This award-winning innovation can be yours for what you'd pay for traditional veneer core hardwood plywood options.

Biomimicry: Nature-inspired design

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As the pacific Ocean swirled around him, a question rushed into Dr. Kaichang Li's head : how do mussels keep their grip on rocks that are constantly pounded by waves?

Dr. Li, a professor at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, found that mussels secrete proteins known as byssal threads, which provide superior strength and extraordinary flexibility. His curiosity led to groundbreaking research – funded by Columbia Forest Products and others – based in the principles of biomimicry, which studies nature and then imitates its designs and processes to solve human problems.

Li discovered that soy proteins can be modified to perform similarly to byssal threads. And not only did they deliver phenomenal adhesion, they also offered exceptional water resistance. This breakthrough led to PureBond, proving that enhanced environmental quality and increased product performance can go hand in hand.

PureBond Facts

Environmental responsibility

For Columbia, this begins in the forest, where we take responsibility for the sustainable harvesting practices we use. We employ a certified team of professional foresters to work with landowners and develop timber plans that assure long-term health of the forested property.

At our mills, we recycle scrap for fuel in our furnaces, and sell residual material to others who use it for mulch or other products. And because we've converted to the PureBond system, the benefits of our soy flour-based, formaldehyde-free technology are enjoyed by employees in our mills, at our customers' shops and by the end consumer.

The Columbia Difference

Columbia Forest Products has long been a leader in sustainable forestry practices and innovative manufacturing. We're now reaching out to homeowners and letting them know how easy it is to get top-quality cabinets, furniture and built-ins without the risk of formaldehyde.

Since 2005 we've been manufacturing our hardwood plywood using a formaldehyde-free adhesive derived from food-grade soy flour and a wet strength resin used in printed currency and milk cartons. This proprietary assembly system, known as PureBond, is non-toxic and cost-competitive with urea formaldehyde based plywood products. There is absolutely no added urea formaldehyde in the adhesive or the components.

Over 50 million panels have been made and shipped with PureBond technology - it's a proven solution. Our hardwood plywood can also be specified using Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC) Certified materials, making it a good green choice both for you and the environment.

Your kitchen dealer, cabinet shop, remodeler or builder can help you make sure your new cabinets or furniture are made with PureBond products, to assure that they won't off-gas formaldehyde fumes into your home.