The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA) recently strengthened and clarified requirements for companies to attain certification under the association’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).
The ESP encourages a holistic approach to environmental stewardship by awarding points for low-formaldehyde-emitting materials and raw material sourcing, as well as setting standards for manufacturing processes and making a positive difference in communities. To be certified, which currently more than 140 companies or brands have achieved, applicants must earn points in each of five ESP categories: Air Quality, Product Resource Management, Process Resource Management, Environmental Stewardship and Community Relations.
“The KCMA Board of Directors reviews the ESP specifications annually and acts on the recommendations of its ESP Committee. Third-party verification continues to be a critical part of the program,” said Dick Titus, executive VP of KCMA. “By re-evaluating these specifications each year, we ensure that ESP maintains its credibility by keeping up with the latest technology, changes in industry standards and new federal/state regulations.”
Beginning January 2011, the specifications require that 80 percent of all panel purchases—particleboard, MDF, thin MDF and hardwood plywood—must comply with CARB ATCM formaldehyde emission limits. The CARB requirements for formaldehyde emissions are the lowest in the world for composite wood products.
To protect the forests and ensure the future availability of lumber resources, ESP will now double the credit points awarded in the Product Resource category for the use of hardwood and softwood lumber, and hardwood and softwood plywood that has been certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program.
With another addition to the program, points will also be awarded in the Product Resource category for cabinet manufacturers who have received Chain-of-Custody certification (COC) through a recognized sustainable forestry program and can offer this COC certification on at least one product line or as an order option for those purchasing cabinets.
To obtain a complete list of ESP certified manufacturers, click here.
