Sustainability
Sustainability
Composite panels from North America are manufactured with wood from sustainably managed forests, are recycled, carbon negative, and compliant with federal standards.
Recycled & Renewable
The composite wood industry is dedicated to sustainability, building on its tradition of maximizing resource use. Early North American manufacturers utilized sawmill waste—like sawdust and wood chips—to create high-quality products, thus reducing landfill waste. Today, the industry continues these practices by incorporating post-consumer wood waste and sourcing from sustainable, locally managed forests.
Composite panels are made from recycled wood, ensuring minimal waste and near-total utilization. The industry ensures that 99% of all raw material inputs are put to productive use as new composite wood panels or biomass energy that fuels our plants. This results in an industry that produces near-zero waste, ensuring the highest and best use of this precious resource.
The North American industry adheres to rigorous sustainability standards, with responsibly managed forests supporting biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing jobs, especially in rural areas. The adherence to sustainable practices set by state forest management laws, and often furthered by organizations such as the Forestry Stewardship Council, contribute to local economies and minimize transportation impacts.
Carbon Negative
As the product of soil, sunlight, air, and water, it’s hard to be greener than a tree. So, it stands to reason that the most sustainable mainstream building materials available come from trees. Wood’s contribution to green building becomes even greater when considering its role in sequestering carbon. Trees absorb CO2, store it in their wood, and release oxygen, contributing to environmental health. Composite wood products, made from recycled wood fibers, enhance this benefit by locking more carbon into the materials while new trees absorb additional CO2. With responsible sourcing, near-zero waste, and biomass-powered production, composite panels store more carbon than is used in their production and transport. They outperform alternatives like steel, cement, plastic, and glass, and the industry is committed to ongoing improvement in sustainability.
Certified Products
Eco-friendly certifications are becoming increasingly important in the manufacturing industry to ensure that products meet high environmental standards. These certifications include EPA’s TSCA Title IV and Eco-Certified Composites™ (ECC). TSCA Title IV mandates that composite wood products undergo testing and certification to ensure that only compliant products are included in the supply chain. CPA is a recognized EPA TSCA Title IV TPC (Third-Party Certifier).
Developed by the Composite Panel Association (CPA), the ECC standard is a voluntary certification for manufacturers of particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF). This certification ensures that products are made using environmentally responsible practices and verified through a comprehensive evaluation process that includes on-site assessments and annual audits. The ECC standard covers various criteria, including compliance with strict formaldehyde emissions regulations and additional environmental requirements.
