CINCINNATI - Formica Corporation has been certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent third-party certifier of environmental and sustainability claims, for its ability to meet strict tracking requirements ensuring that materials used in the production of its high pressure decorative laminates come from well-managed forests. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody tracks FSC-certified material through the production process – from forest to consumer, including all successive stages of processing, transformation, manufacturing and distribution.

"Formica Corporation has adopted sustainable practices throughout its operations, and receiving this third-party certification allows us to support our customers' environmental initiatives as well," states Chris Gray, vice president of marketing. "Chain of custody certification is an assurance that materials used in our laminates originate from forests that meet stringent environmental, social and economic standards."

FSC is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests. It provides internationally recognized standard-setting, trademark assurance and accreditation services to companies, organizations and communities interested in responsible forestry.

FSC Chain of Custody certification is recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED® Rating System for environmentally focused design. "Chain of custody certification enables us to support our customer's LEED certification strategies in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico," Gray notes. "This certification may contribute MR Credit 7: Certified Wood in commercial projects."

Formica Corporation's FSC certification follows a recent completion of a product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the business's U.S. and Canadian manufacturing plants. Formica Group, a global group of companies that includes Formica Corporation, has completed a product LCA on key products and their environmental impacts on energy, water, waste and greenhouse gases in its ten international plants, located in Canada, China, Finland, Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The assessment was conducted by an independent, third-party carbon and sustainability consultant in accordance with the international standard ISO 14040 series.

Visit www.formica.com to view Formica Corporation's corporate commitment to sustainability and to view its product certifications. FSC Chain of Custody certification also is posted on www.info.fsc.org and www.scscertified.com.

About Formica Corporation

Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. For more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions, visit www.formica.com or call 1-800-FORMICA.

About Formica Group

Formica Group is a global group of companies consisting of Formica Canada, Inc., Formica Corporation, Formica de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Formica IKI Oy, Formica Limited, Formica S.A., Formica S.A.S., Formica Taiwan Corporation, Formica (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Formica (Asia) Ltd., among others.

About Scientific Certification Systems (SCS)

SCS is an independent third-party certifier of environmental, sustainability, food quality and food purity claims. Over two decades, SCS has developed internationally recognized standards and certification programs aimed at spurring the highest level of environmental improvements, social accountability and product performance. Its programs span a wide cross-section of the economy, recognizing accomplishments in the fields of green building, product manufacturing, forestry, retail, agricultural production, fisheries, energy, and food processing and handling. For more information about SCS, visit www.scscertified.com or call 510-452-8000.

Source: Formia Corporation