In April of 2007, the California Air Resource Board (CARB) implemented new limits for formaldehyde emitted from composite wood panel products. These products include, but are not limited to particleboard, medium density fiberboard, plywood and veneered cores. The new limits have been introduced as Phase 1 (CARB I) on January 1, 2009 and Phase II (CARB II) on January 1, 2010 for plywood and veneered cores. January 1, 2012 is the implementation date for all other wood panel products. The current guidelines and approved Airborne Toxic Control Measure can be found here.

The state of California regulation clearly governs the formaldehyde content limits in both raw composite wood panels and in all finished products made of these materials. The regulation covers both domestically produced and imported materials and requires that all companies involved in the process of these products be able to access and certify that through the “chain of custody” CARB 1 and 2 requirements have been met. This rule applies to manufacturers, importers, fabricators, distributors, and retailers of composite panels or finished goods using these composite panels and requires everyone to follow prescribed record keeping in the form of labels, statement of compliance on the bill of lading and invoice, and chain of custody documentation to the final customer. Records for all composite panel purchases or fabricated parts containing composite panels must be maintained for two years.

As a fabricator of composite panels, Michiana Laminated Products, Inc. has taken proactive steps to ensure that proof of compliancy can be generated. The following steps have been taken:

• Suppliers: Suppliers use composite materials that comply with the emission and certification requirements of the rule and request and receive written confirmation from each supplier confirming adherence to the compliance standard.
• Records: Michiana Laminated Products, Inc. retains records showing the date of purchase for composite materials for two years.
• Material Labels: Every material is labeled indicating that the contents meet current CARB requirements.
• Finished Product Labels: Michiana Laminated Products, Inc. will label, upon request, every product or product box with a stamp, tag, sticker or bar code and include the fabricator’s name, the production date and the compliance standard of the product being produced.

Referencing the USGBC definition of LEED: “LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system,  providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.”

Depending on the LEED Rating System chosen, the LEED Certification Process could involve Michiana Laminated Products, Inc. as a supplier of architectural millwork, cabinetry, store fixtures, office furniture, shelving, solid surface components and other wood and plastic products in reference to the impact on “Materials and Resources”, and “Indoor Environmental Quality” portions of the certification process. Although LEED certification may be suggested and or driven by designers, architects, and construction professionals, it is our obligation to be poised to address any LEED requirements made by our customers.

In assisting any customer that is seeking LEED points for their project, Michiana Laminated Products also currently produces products that are CARB compliant and/or formaldehyde free. All wood panel products utilized by Michiana Laminated Products are at a minimum CARB compliant. For those customers seeking a formaldehyde free wood panel construction, various cores such as Skyblend® are available. In addition, all major high pressure laminates are certified as “Green” meeting all CARB requirements and allowing the end user to secure additional LEED points. Finally, the use of water based adhesives ensures that an additional step can be taken in garnering LEED points toward an environmentally friendly facility.

From it's early beginnings in 1990, the Forest Stewardship Council ® has been engaged in the ongoing mission of establishing a model for environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable forest stewardship.  Michiana Laminated Products, Inc. is certified to manufacture and pass this certification to it's customers for any FSC® specified project.  FSC® products are available upon request.