Columbia Forest Products Reiterates Commitment to Building Products with No Added Formaldehyde

Greensboro, NC  – March 18, 2015

In recent weeks, reports from CBS News’ 60 Minutes program titled: “Lumber Liquidators Linked to Health and Safety Violations” which aired on March 1, 2015 and other news outlets have refocused the public’s attention on the health risks of elevated formaldehyde levels that can be present in composite wood products – especially the low-priced versions from countries like China.

In light of these news reports and the concerns that they raise, Columbia Forest Products, North America’s longstanding leader in hardwood plywood and veneer, reiterated its commitment to producing quality materials with no added formaldehyde – materials that also support typical “green” building standards.

Nearly a decade ago, Columbia took action to remove added formaldehyde from the manufacture of its hardwood plywood, which is used for making cabinets, shelving, bookcases, entertainment centers and other furniture, as well as paneling and other items for the home and office.

Working with leading scientists, the company developed a proprietary soy-based laminating technology they named PureBond®.

Todd Vogelsinger, Columbia’s director of marketing, said that people who have become suddenly concerned about formaldehyde due to the recent news reports can breathe easier. “It has become a lot easier to identify sources of improved composite wood products like PureBond, and those who use them to make beautiful end products. A whole new class of woodworker has emerged… people who are not only educated about the cleaner, greener options in materials, but who are eager to explain the differences to their customers and prospects,” he said.

“This is resulting in homeowners, designers, and contractors feeling a lot more confident about their choices and their ability to distinguish between no added formaldehyde constructed goods and those made with less discriminating materials,” Vogelsinger added.

To make it extremely convenient, Columbia has established the PureBond® Fabricator Network™, comprised of over 850 experienced craftsmen, cabinet shops and fabrication businesses across the continent that use PureBond hardwood plywood in their finished goods.

For homeowners seeking cabinetry, fixtures, or a kitchen or home remodel, PFN members offer a wealth of knowledge about craftsmanship – as well as a solid understanding of high-performance, environmentally friendly building materials. They recognize the importance of building with good indoor air quality (IAQ) in mind, and joined the network to put their convictions to work for homeowners and consumers.

For more information about the healthy characteristics of PureBond® hardwood plywood with no added formaldehyde, visit https://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/product/purebond-classic-core/.

For information on the PureBond Fabricator Network and to locate PFN members, visithttps://www.columbiaforestproducts.com/resources/purebond-fabricator-network/.

About Columbia Forest Products
Established in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is America’s largest manufacturer of decorative hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. An employee-owned company, it operates facilities throughout North America. It is a leader in sustainable forestry, as well as in developing innovative and environmentally friendly technologies and products for healthy indoor living.

Columbia Forest Products has provided fine decorative hardwood plywood veneer panels to North American fabricators for nearly 60 years. The company is committed to offering the industry’s widest product selection, manufactured in efficient, technologically advanced mills, and backed by exceptional service and product support.

Website address: http://www.columbiaforestproducts.com.