Greensboro, NC — Columbia Forest Products has won an important award from the International Wood Products Association (IWPA). IWPA announced the association’s three 2012 Excellence Award winners at its 56th Annual Convention held in Indian Wells, California.

Columbia Forest Products won in the 2012 competition’s Innovative Design category for its PureBond formaldehyde-free technology. This EPA-award winning technology uses soy protein for decorative hardwood plywood assembly instead of traditional urea formaldehyde-based resins. As a result, the technology allows CFP to produce no-added formaldehyde decorative plywood panels made from domestic and imported materials.

PureBond plywood offers the beauty and enduring quality that comes from real hardwood plywood panels. PureBond is also a “healthy” choice because it eliminates sources of indoor air pollution such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can off-gas from inferior composite wood products. PureBond panels are particularly well-suited for residential and office working environments where there are concerns about maintaining good indoor air quality (IAQ).

Healthy IAQ is important because indoor air can be two to five times more polluted than the outside air. Not everyone notices the symptoms of poor indoor air quality, although some individuals may be more susceptible to upper respiratory tract infections.

The IWPA’s 2012 Excellence Award competition named winners in three categories: Environmental Excellence; Aesthetic Design; and Innovative Design.

Besides Columbia Forest Products, the other award winners for 2012 were Interwood Forest Products, winner of the Aesthetic Design award for incorporating multiple exotic species in the world's tallest building, and UCS Forest Group, recipient of the Environmental Excellence award for distribution of Red Grandis, a sustainably grown hardwood species.

Commenting on the 2012 Excellence Award competition, Alan McIlvain, Jr., IWPA’s President, stated, "This awards program recognizes the innovation, environmental stewardship and best-in-corporate social responsibility conducted globally by IWPA members. We are constantly humbled by the submissions annually received for this program and welcome the opportunity to recognize these companies for some outstanding achievements."

IWPA Awards Program voting was conducted by the Association's active membership from over 30 countries.

For more information about PureBond formaldehyde-free technology from Columbia Forest Products, visit http://columbiaforestproducts.com/PureBond or e-mail your request to [email protected].

About The International Wood Products Association

Established in 1956, IWPA is the leading international trade association for the North American imported wood products industry, representing 200 companies and trade associations engaged in the import and export of hardwoods and softwoods from sustainably managed forests. Association members consist of three key groups involved in the import process: U.S. importers and consuming industries; offshore manufacturers; and the service providers that facilitate trade.

About Columbia Forest Products

Established in 1957, Columbia Forest Products is North America's largest manufacturer of decorative hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer. An employee-owned company, it operates facilities throughout the United States and Canada. 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 55 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.