The original cost-competitive decorative hardwood plywood without the formaldehyde. PureBond® describes Columbia Forest Products’ formaldehyde-free assembly process for hardwood plywood manufacturing, which includes the use of Soy, poly vinyl acetate (white glue) and Polymeric Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (pMDI) medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard cores in manufacture of ANSI HP-1 voluntary plywood grades.
Replacing traditional urea formaldehyde (UF) resin in veneer core and composite core hardwood plywood construction with formaldehyde-free PureBond processes and components enables Columbia to eliminate added formaldehyde from standard veneer core and pMDI composite hardwood plywood core panels.
Columbia has been on the forefront of adopting formaldehyde-free or no-added formaldehyde assemblies to help our employees, fabricators and end users reduce exposure to added formaldehyde since it was uplisted from probable to a known, human carcinogen in 2005 by the World Health Organization International Agency for Research of Cancer (IARC.)
When we say PureBond technology is “formaldehyde-free", we’re describing the way our hardwood plywood panels are comprised of no added formaldehyde components and assembled with no added formaldehyde adhesives. By eliminating urea formaldehyde chemistry from this product line, Columbia third-party testing and audits provide supply chain partners, fabricators, and consumers peace of mind with regard to a known source of formaldehyde exposure, eliminated.
What really makes PureBond special is that it’s a proven solution, cost-competitive with the standard urea formaldehyde panels still being made in North America. And it is catching up within the industry as well with over 60% of the panels constructed in North America today using soy or PVA technology of which we are justifiably proud as original innovator which paved the way for other firms to follow, driving down the cost of the innovation for everyone’s benefit and uptake.
Columbia Forest Products, an employee-owned company, has worked with industry partners, associations, ENGOs and other stakeholders to uphold, enshrine and improve healthy sustainable green building practices and innovative manufacturing. Every day we make new connections to fabricators and homeowners letting them know how easy it is to get top-quality cabinets, furniture and built-ins without the risk of added formaldehyde.
Your kitchen dealer, cabinet shop, remodeler or builder can help you make sure your new cabinets or furniture are made with PureBond products. When combined with other low-emitting interior design decisions and operational choices, PureBond can help owners reduce VOC emissions from construction materials into the interior air of their built spaces today. While a lot of factors contribute to good or bad interior air quality in a structure, starting with elimination of formaldehyde in carpets, textiles, added decorative elements is a great start to improve likelihood of healthier environments for everyone’s enjoyment.
Whether you're a large contractor or a DIY hobbyist, Columbia Forest Products are conveniently available throughout North America. Find your wholesale distributor, Home Depot store, or PureBond Fabricator here!