LEESBURG, VA -- The Composite Panel Association (CPA) is readying the launch of its new Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Product Certification Program at the AWFS Fair, July 20-23 in Las Vegas.

The ECC, a life cycle-based sustainability standard for unfinished composite wood panels, will supplant the CPA's current Environmentally Preferable Product (EPP) Program. The CPA said the ECC "has been developed to provide certification of demonstrably environmentally attributes through the assessment of the following criteria: carbon storage, localized use of the renewable resource, recycled and/or recovered furnish, adherence to specific formaldehyde emission standards, wood furnish sustainability and responsible wood fiber sourcing."
 
An ECC Value-Added Program will replace the existing EPP Downstream Program and provide a mechanism for consumers to purchase environmentally responsible products such as cabinets and furniture made with particleboard, MDF, and other certified composite wood panels.. The Value-Added Program will be made available to fabricators, laminators and distributors.

Posted by Rich Christianson