Featured Article:
CARB Formaldehyde Emission Standards Become A Reality
In April 2007, the
California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted to implement new
limits for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
On March 7, 2008, the regulation was finalized, making CARB a
stark reality. Basically, the new regulations, which go into
effect January 1, 2009, are the strictest production standards
in the world.
Over the past year, the ruling has been met with everything from surprise, disbelief, legal challenges, and many questions. This issue of Timberline is dedicated to giving you the basic facts about the new CARB rule: what you need to know now, how it will impact your business, and where you can go for additional information.
Timber Products Company has been a key player in the California Wood Industry Coalition (CWIC), the entity that worked with CARB staff for more than six years in its rule-making process. Since the initial vote last year, Timber Products has been preparing to meet the CARB standards to ensure that our customers have an uninterrupted flow of material. Today all of our products covered under the CARB rule comply with the Phase 1 requirements. The only remaining task is to go through the same testing process with a CARB authorized third-party certifier.
The rule covers composite wood products defined as particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), hardwood plywood, and all products made from any of these materials (furniture, cabinets, etc.). It includes any of these products that are sold, supplied, used, or manufactured for sale in California. The obvious outcome was that any company that did business under this definition had to meet the CARB standard. What was not expected was other states quickly taking the CARB rule under consideration. Also not expected was the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) taking notice and starting a process of reviewing federal formaldehyde emission standards. The Recreational Vehicle Industries Association (RVIA) adopted the CARB emission limits as did the Composite Panel Association (CPA) under its Environmentally Preferred Product (EPP) program. Only recently did manufacturers in Asia, Europe, South America, and Russia wake up to the reality that any CARB-related product they shipped to America that could end up in California would have to be CARB certified. Furthermore, they had a very short period of time to determine how they would comply and go through the testing process. In summary, this California rule has had immediate impacts around the globe.
You may have heard of various challenges to the rule, the most vocal of which come from importers. We firmly believe that all of these attempted changes that are being lobbied to anyone who will listen will fall on deaf ears. The rule is done and has been enforced. Timber Products Company does not support any changes to the rule. We will comply with every aspect of the rule and in a timely manner.
Our primary message to Timberline readers is to take the time to understand the rule and how it might or will impact your business. This issue of Timberline can be your guide. In addition to giving you the basic information on what you need to know, we have included websites where you can learn more details and get frequent updates. You have the time to prepare before January 1, 2009, but only if you begin now.
Most importantly, make certain that your composite panel suppliers have a plan and timeline in place to certify their products under the CARB rule in a timely manner. Look to Timber Products Company as a resource for CARB information, updates, and the CARB certified products you will require.
