Greensboro, N.C. – Material ConneXion, a groundbreaking global materials consultancy with offices worldwide, has certified two Columbia Forest Products decorative plywood products for inclusion in its Library of Innovative Materials & Processes.

A jury convened by Material ConneXion consisting of an international panel of design experts and materials specialists selected CFP’s Europly PLUS™ Hardwood Plywood and MPX® Hardwood Plywood among the newest entrants into the world’s largest library of advanced, innovative and sustainable materials and processes.

According to Michael LaGreca, Material ConneXion’s vice president of marketing, product submissions are evaluated by the jury under a strict review process according to three key criteria: innovation and improvements on existing materials; sustainability; and the application versatility of the product. Products that are judged to be noteworthy in any or all of these characteristics are given a Certification of Material Excellence and are accepted into the library.

The two Columbia Forest Products items added to the Material ConneXion library were selected in part because of their strong sustainability attributes.

MPX Hardwood Plywood is a veneer core panel with smooth crossbands of sustainably harvested North American Yellow Poplar (tulip wood) under the decorative veneer layer. The plies are laminated with soy-based formaldehyde-free PureBond® resin, making the panels strong and resilient while possessing excellent machinability and moisture-resistant characteristics.

MPX panels deliver a smoother decorative veneer face compared to standard veneer core panels. Veneer core “telegraphing” that is commonly experienced in conventional products is dramatically reduced, making the product ideal for applications where an extremely clean, even surface finish is desired – such as the interior and exterior of cabinet boxes, furniture, casework and fixtures.

Euro-Ply PLUS Hardwood Plywood is a multi-layer hardwood core panel composed of 100% Birch construction with an exposed “Eurostyle” edge finish – a visually striking edge that architects and designers utilize for a contemporary, natural appearance.

Like the MPX product, the decorative faces and inner plies of Europly PLUS panels are laminated using PureBond no-added-formaldehyde (NAUF) technology, with the accompanying strength, durability, machinability and high-volume production attributes.

Both the MPX and Europly PLUS products are available as certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ecolabel. And because they contain no added urea formaldehyde, they are CARB Phase 2-compliant and may contribute to LEED® IEQ 4.4 green building credits. Decorative face veneers are offered in a wide range of grades and species such as Anigre, Zebrawood, Oak, Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Birch, Hickory and Mahogany.

Commenting on the addition of new CFP products into Material ConneXion’s Library of Innovative Materials & Processes, Todd Vogelsinger, Columbia Forest Products’ director of marketing, said, “We’re delighted that MPX and Europly PLUS now join other CFP products with formaldehyde-free PureBond technology that have been accepted into Material ConneXion’s library. Among the great advantages of our products are the combination of their natural and sustainable characteristics with visual appeal, notable strength and long-life durability. We’re pleased that the experts agree.”

For more information about Europly PLUS and MPX hardwood plywood products, contact Todd Vogelsinger, director of marketing, at 1-800-637-1609 or [email protected].

Source: Columbia Forest Products