CPA sponsors the key product standards for the industry and addresses technical issues bearing on product acceptance. As a highly–regarded American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standards developing organization, the association sponsors the development and maintenance of American National Standards through the ANSI consensus process.
American National Standards
CPA sponsors the following American National Standards. These American National Standards may be downloaded by members below or purchased by non-members through CPA’s Store.
CPA Technical Bulletins
- Updated! Dimensional Stability of Particleboard and MDF Technical Bulletin
- Basic Hardboard Products Technical Bulletin
- Maintenance Tips for Engineered Wood Siding Technical Bulletin
- MDF Mouldings Technical Bulletin
- Minimizing Warp in Laminated Particleboard and MDF Technical Bulletin
- Standard Method for Measurement of Warp in Composite Panels
- Storage and Handling of Particleboard and MDF Technical Bulletin
- Particleboard Environmental Product Declaration
- Particleboard & MDF for Shelving Technical Bulletin
- Particleboard for Stepping Technical Bulletin
- Particleboard Underlayment Installation Technical Bulletin
- VOC Emission Barrier Effects
CPA Standards
Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Sustainability Standard
The CPA 4-19 Eco-Certified Composite™ (ECC) Sustainability Standard is the voluntary industry standard developed by the Composite Panel Association (CPA) for manufacturers of composite wood or agrifiber-based panels, as well as finished products (including components and laminated panels) made with particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardboard, engineered wood siding and engineered wood trim. The standard focuses on life cycle inventory and other verifiable environmental practices and highlights the responsible use of wood fiber by composite panel manufacturers. The basis of the standard includes the CPA Carbon Calculator, a tool developed by a third-party expert to assess the life cycle and carbon footprint of composite panels made at a particular manufacturing plant.
California Formaldehyde Regulation (CARB Rule)
CPA was the first Third Party Certifier (TPC) in the world to be approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Since that date of May 14, 2008, CPA has been certifying manufacturers to CARB ATCM 93120.
CPA is now certifying North American particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood for compliance with the CARB rule. CPA is also operating an Ultra-Low Emitting Formaldehyde (ULEF) and No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) testing program for those panel manufacturers seeking an Executive Order (EO) for their ULEF or NAF products. Any North American panel manufacturer wishing their products to be certified to the CARB rule should contact CPA.
