Unlike softwood plywood panels which are not bound by the formaldehyde emission restrictions set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), hardwood plywood (composite or veneer core) panels and composite wood panels such as particleboard and MDF, must conform to strict guidelines before the products can be sold and used.

What follows are some of the available products in the marketplace that meet these stringent emission requirements. For a more extensive list, check out the panel products listings in the Gluing, Laminating, Veneering Chapter at RedBookOnline.com. To view the current Composite Panel ATCM, visit the CARB website at arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/compwood.htm.

PureBond is Columbia Forest Products’ exclusive formaldehyde-free innovation for hardwood plywood manufacturing. Replacing traditional urea formaldehyde (UF) hardwood plywood construction with soy-based PureBond enables Columbia to eliminate any added formaldehyde from standard veneer-core and pMDI composite hardwood plywood core panels. DesignEdge is a domestically-produced multi-ply panel that lends itself to the distinctive exposed-edge look with the added confidence of PureBond formaldehyde-free technology.
 (800) 637-1609, ColumbiaForestProducts.com

NOVA PEAK from States Industries includes stained and finished hardwood veneered panels in a variety of colors and species, in 1/4-in. and 3/4–in. thickness with matching wood and ABS edgebanding. Hand stains also are available. States says the veneer-cored NOVA PEAK panels are manufactured without the use of urea-formaldehyde adhesives, CARB 93120.12, comply with SCAQMD Rule 1113 and contribute to LEED IEQ 4.2: Low Emitting Materials-Paints and Coatings. (800) 626-1981, StatesInd.com

Decorative Panels says its GreenCore Signature S2S hardboard panels feature a highly refined, 100% aspen overlay and PureSolid core for strength, with smooth surfaces on both sides that resist delaminating and limit water absorption. The panels contain no added urea-formaldehyde, and are rated CARB-exempt and compliant, the company adds. (800) 521-4301, DecPanels.com

SierraPine says Encore is a sustainable design particleboard panel that utilizes a low-emitting binding system with no-added urea formaldehyde. Encore is produced with pre-consumer recycled wood content, with FSC certified panels available upon request. In addition to particleboard, SierraPine also offers sustainable MDF panels for use in cabinetry, furniture, fixtures and wall panels. (800) 676-3339, SierraPine.com

Available from Flakeboard, VESTA particleboard is produced using a no added urea-formaldehyde resin process and 100% recycled and/or recovered (pre-consumer) wood material. According to the company, VESTA may contribute to LEED points, and is offered raw or TFM finished for use in cabinets, countertops, fixtures and furniture applications. VESTA also is available in FSC certified (FSC C019364), fire-rated, HDF and MDF grades also. (800) 268-9830, Flakeboard.com

Temple-Inland says its TemStock-Free is a no added formaldehyde particleboard with emission levels more than 3 times lower than CARB Phase 2 standards. In addition, TemStock-Free meets the Eco-Certified Composite Standard for composite panel products. The company adds TemStock-Free’s green-building benefits can earn points in LEED, NAHB National Green Building Program and Green Globes rating systems. (800) 231-6060, TempleInland.com/BuildingProducts

Available from Uniboard, NU Green zero NAUF particleboard is FSC certified and meets environmental certification standards set by the Composite Panel Assn. It contains 100% recycled and recovered wood fiber, exceeds CARB Phase 2 standards and can help achieve up to six LEED points, Uniboard says. The resin technology also allows NU Green zero NAUF particleboard to meet ANSI MR 30 standards for moisture resistancy. It is available in a full collection of melamine colors. (800) 263-5240, Uniboard.com

Boise Evergreen MR10, a moisture-resistant panel from Boise Cascade, is comprised of 100% recycled fiber and carries no added urea-formaldehyde. Boise Cascade holds FSC, SFI, EPP and PEFC certifications and says it offers a complete line of particleboard and cut-to-size products. (888) 264-7372, BC.com/particleboard

Roseburg Forest Products says its FSC western softwood veneer core panels are third-party chain-of-custody certified by Scientific Certification Systems. The panels are available in standard sizes and thicknesses, and can contribute to achieving LEED credits. (800) 245-1115, Roseburg.com

Industrial Wood Products’ MDF-XPLY features a solid hardwood veneer core with MDF crossbands, making smooth finished applications for veneer, melamine, paper, printing, painting and overlays possible. MDF-XPLY weighs 30% less than traditional PB/MDF but is stronger, the company says; it is also available in a solid lumber core center lightweight panel. MDF-XPLY is offered in FSC, CARB and NAUF. (703) 435-6486, IndustrialWoodProd.com

Available from Timber Products, GreenT Hardwood Plywood is sourced from sustainably managed forests certified by SFI and FSC. The company says Green T Hardwood Plywood meets CARB emission requirements and can make projects eligible for LEED credit support. (800) 547-9520, TimberProducts.com

Arauco says Trupan Ultralight MDF is suitable for furniture and other wood products where lightweight construction and environmental benefits are desirable. The panels are made from 100% fresh pine fiber from sustainably managed plantation forests and manufactured with biofuel-generated electricity. The MDF panel features a no-added-urea-formaldehyde formulation. (770) 350-1659, Arauco-USA.com

Forterra engineered panels from The Stow Co. are used in the company’s custom closet solutions, pantry storage, desks, bookshelves and entertainment centers. Used exclusively or integrated with The Stow Co.’s product line, the panels feature a honeycomb cell structure bonded between panel skins, which are more than double the thickness of those in other bonded-skin panels, according to the company. Panels are offered in surfaces up to 60-in. horizontally and up to 2-in. thick. (616) 399-3311, TheStowCompany.com