FORMICA GROUP HAS TAKEN SIGNIFICANT STEPS TO ENSURE THAT ITS PRODUCTS PROMOTE A HEALTHY INDOOR AIR QUALITY IN HOMES, OFFICES, SCHOOLS AND OTHER INDOOR ENVIRONMENTS.

PRODUCT EMISSIONS

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the most effective way to reduce indoor air pollution is to reduce or eliminate harmful chemical emissions. Formica takes pride in meeting the strict emissions limits of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and in achieving GREENGUARD^® Certification for Indoor Air Quality for Formica^® Laminates.

DEFINING PRODUCT EMISSIONS

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) are pollutants that are emitted along with other gases from certain solids or liquids. Concentrations of many VOCs are higher indoors than they may be outdoors.

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) has established standards to define products and processes with low chemical and particle emissions for use indoors. The standards establish certification procedures including test methods, allowable emission levels, product sample collection, testing, as well as program application processes, toxicity limits and acceptance.

FORMICA PRODUCTS, EMISSIONS AND GREENGUARD

As one of our core sustainable strategies, Formica is committed to the manufacture of products that contribute to healthier indoor environments. Formica^® Laminates may also contribute to achieving LEED credits. The US Green Building Council has made GREENGUARD Certification a requirement for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification Program for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI). To obtain LEED-CI credits for low emitting materials, furniture and furnishings must be GREENGUARD Certified or meet GREENGUARD emission levels.

CURRENT STATUS & ACTIVITY

Formica has worked to achieve GREENGUARD certification for Indoor air quality for products manufactured in North America, Europe and Asia. Resin systems and raw material supply is aligned with the use of low emitting materials.

The following products meet all GREENGUARD & GREENGUARD Children & Schools standards for Indoor Air Quality:

• Formica^® Laminate by Formica Group
• Formica^® DecoMetal by Formica Group

The GREENGUARD standards include specifications for each of the following:

• TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds)
• Formaldehyde
• Total Aldehydes

Formica^® Laminate and Formica^® DecoMetal^® products are GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.