Non-Toxic Technology.
Soy-Based Adhesive.
Cost-Competitive.
North American Made.
And only from Columbia Forest Products.
The original cost-competitive decorative hardwood plywood without the formaldehyde.
PureBond® is Columbia Forest Products' exclusive formaldehyde-free innovation
for hardwood plywood manufacturing.
Replacing traditional urea formaldehyde (UF) hardwood plywood construction with
non-toxic, soy-based PureBond® enables Columbia to eliminate any added formaldehyde
from standard veneer-core and non-UF composite hardwood plywood core panels. That's
great news for our employees, our customers and the air we all breathe.
Formaldehyde-free
When we say PureBond® technology is "formaldehyde-free", we're describing the way our hardwood
plywood panels are comprised of no added urea formaldehyde components and assembled
with no added urea formaldehyde adhesives.
Columbia's formaldehyde-free decorative panels are also compliant with the U.S.
Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®)
standards, earning one point for LEED®'s EQ Credit 4.4 for Low-Emitting Materials:
Composite Wood, and satisfy the emissions standards of the California Air Resources
Board (CARB) Phase 2 regulations.
Less cost, more benefit
What really makes PureBond® special is that it's cost-competitive with the standard
UF construction of most decorative veneer-core hardwood plywood that's made today.
That means PureBond® is substantially less expensive than other no-added-formaldehyde
alternatives currently available.
Additionally, PureBond® is even more water resistant than UF panels – approaching
the requirements for Type I, or waterproof performance. PureBond® formaldehyde-free
panels have out-performed UF bonded panels in all moisture degradation tests. This
award-winning innovation can be yours for what you'd pay for traditional veneer
core hardwood plywood options.
PureBond® Facts
- PureBond® technology utilizes formaldehyde-free,
soy-based adhesive
- Manufacturing with PureBond® technology contributes to an
air-friendly indoor environment
- PureBond® veneer-core panels are cost-competitive
with traditional panels made using UF construction
- Panels offer superior moisture resistance
- Panels are LEED® compliant and may
contribute points for EQ Credit 4.4 for Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood
- Panels can be specified as FSC-certified
upon request
- PureBond® is manufactured exclusively in
North America by Columbia Forest Products.
Environmental responsibility
For Columbia, this begins in the forest, where we take responsibility for the sustainable
harvesting practices we use. We employ a certified team of professional foresters
to work with landowners and develop timber plans that assure long-term health of
the forested property.
At our mills, we recycle scrap for fuel in our furnaces, and sell residual material
to others who use it for mulch or other products. And because we've converted to
the PureBond® system, the benefits of our soy flour-based, formaldehyde-free
technology are enjoyed by employees in our mills, at our customers' shops and by
the end consumer.
Biomimicry: Nature-inspired design
As the pacific Ocean swirled around him, a question rushed into Dr. Kaichang Li's
head : how do mussels keep their grip on rocks that are constantly pounded by waves?
Dr. Li, a professor at Oregon State University's College of Forestry, found that
mussels secrete proteins known as byssal threads, which provide superior strength
and extraordinary flexibility. His curiosity led to groundbreaking research – funded
by Columbia Forest Products and others – based in the principles of biomimicry, which studies nature and then imitates its designs
and processes to solve human problems. Li discovered that soy proteins can be modified
to perform similarly to byssal threads. And not only did they deliver phenomenal
adhesion, they also offered exceptional water resistance. This breakthrough led
to PureBond®, proving that enhanced environmental quality and increased product
performance can go hand in hand.
The Columbia Difference
Columbia Forest Products has long been a leader in sustainable forestry practices
and innovative manufacturing. We're now reaching out to homeowners and letting them
know how easy it is to get top-quality cabinets, furniture and built-ins without
the risk of formaldehyde.
Since 2005 we've been manufacturing our hardwood plywood using a formaldehyde-free
adhesive derived from food-grade soy flour and a wet strength resin used in printed
currency and milk cartons. This proprietary assembly system, known as PureBond®,
is non-toxic and cost-competitive with urea formaldehyde based plywood products.
There is absolutely no added urea formaldehyde in the adhesive or the components.
Over 30 million panels have been made and shipped with PureBond® technology
– it's a proven solution. Our hardwood plywood can also be specified using Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified materials, making it a good green choice both
for you and the environment.
Your kitchen dealer, cabinet shop, remodeler or builder can help you make sure your
new cabinets or furniture are made with PureBond® products, to assure that they
won't off-gas formaldehyde fumes into your home.
PureBond® plywood can be specified using FSC
certified materials.
By buying products with an FSC label
you are supporting the growth of responsible forest management worldwide.
©1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C. SW-COC-000065