At EGGER, we take our responsibility for protecting the environment and future generations seriously.
As evidence of that commitment, we are pleased to share that our Lexington manufacturing plant, which produces our thermally fused laminate (TFL) panels and particleboard for the North American market, meets the Composite Panel Association's Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) Sustainability Standard.
By their very nature, composite wood panels are among the greenest products available for architectural, construction and consumer products, according to the Composite Panel Association (CPA). Composite wood panels use what might otherwise be considered waste wood and is converted into high-value products, avoiding the landfill and acting as a carbon store.
Eco-Certified Composite products may help achieve the following industry standards:
This voluntary industry standard was developed by the Composite Panel Association for manufacturers of composite wood or agrifiber-based panels, such as particleboard and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). To be certified, manufacturers must demonstrate that 100% of their panels meet California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TSCA Title VI formaldehyde emissions requirements 100% of the time, even if panels are sold in countries where these regulations do not apply. The standard furthers specifies carbon footprint, life-cycle inventory and other verifiable environmental practices are met, emphasizing the responsible use of wood fiber.
In addition to the formaldehyde emissions restrictions, qualified plants must meet three of the following requirements:
- Locally Sourced Fiber - At least 85% of total annual wood fiber used shall be sourced within 250 miles of the manufacturing plant.
- Recycled, Recovered or Post-Consumer Fiber Content - Use a minimum of 75% recycled or recovered fiber; Or at least 50% recycled or recovered fiber and a minimum of 5% post-consumer fiber.
- Sustainable Use of Wood Fiber - The plant shall document that greater than 97% fiber furnish brought on-site to manufacture panels is either converted into panels or other non-waste products.
- Responsible Wood Sourcing - The plant shall hold a valid assessment and certificate from a certifying agency recognized by CPA such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC-Controlled Wood Standard or Chain of Custody Standard) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI-Fiber Sourcing Standard).
- Carbon Footprint - The plant shall demonstrate that the panel's carbon store offsets its cradle-to-gate carbon footprint as determined in kg-CO equivalents of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
EGGER meets the Locally Sourced Fiber, Recycled, Recovered or Post-Consumer Fiber Content and Sustainable Use of Wood Fiber requirements.
Certification Credibility
ECC-certified plants must be 100% compliant 100% of the time, and are not permitted to sell products that exceed CARB and TSCA Title VI emission requirements in any market, regardless of local regulations. Qualified third-party assessors audit eligible plants every year, evaluating each plant's quality control, personnel, wood yard and all relevant records on production and formaldehyde emissions testing.
The CPA has administered the ECC certification program since 2011, with audits conducted according to international standards. The CPA is accredited as a certification body to ISO/IEC 17065 by ANSI, and as an inspection body to ISO/IEC 17020 by ANAB. They also operate the International Testing and Certification Center (ITCC), an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited test lab that serves as North America's leading composite panel formaldehyde emissions laboratory.