-- Already GREENGUARD certified for all laminate products, Wilsonart now awarded certifications for its water-based adhesives and PVA wood glues --
TEMPLE, Texas, April 11, 2007 –The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute and Wilsonart® International have a standing relationship which began in 2004 when all Wilsonart® Laminate surfacing product types were awarded the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification. Today, Wilsonart is proud to announce that GREENGUARD has now certified its water-based adhesives and PVA wood glues for outstanding indoor air quality performance, meeting its stringent Indoor Air Quality Certification criteria.
TWilsonart laminate, adhesives and wood glues are commonly used in the construction of countertops, cabinetry, casegoods, furniture, and in a wide range of other interior applications. The use of GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified® products by manufactures is an important practice as certified products ensure minimal impact on the indoor environment.
Adhesives are a major concern for indoor air quality as they can contribute significant levels of irritating chemicals into the air, which may lead to serious health effects and could contaminate other products.
The GREENGUARD Certification of these Wilsonart adhesives and wood glues provides fabricators and manufacturers with the assurance that by using these products, they are making low-emitting products that can significantly reduce the level of potentially irritating contaminates in the indoor environment without choosing adhesives and glues that require special ordering or extra cost.
The certification of Wilsonart’s adhesives is significant as facility and design professionals, as well as occupants, can trust that any GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified material or furnishing will not introduce irritating chemicals to interior spaces.
“As an industry leader, Wilsonart prides itself as a company that is providing high quality products that are also environmentally friendly,” said Ron Gagnon, vice president of design & marketing for Wilsonart. “Indoor air quality is a concern that the industry is taking very seriously and we are pleased to have this confirmation that our products are contributing to a healthy indoor environment.”
The GREENGUARD Certification ensures that certified products can be used to obtain a credit for Low-Emitting Office Furniture in the Indoor Environmental Quality Section of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Rating System.
About the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute™
The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute is an independent, non-profit organization based in Atlanta that oversees the GREENGUARD Certification Program, including the establishment of acceptable standards for indoor products and testing protocols. The Institute’s goal is to improve public health and quality of life by helping manufacturers build better and safer products.
GREENGUARD Certified or tested furniture and furnishings are part of the United States Green Building Council’s LEED for Commercial Interiors Program. The GREENGUARD Certification Program is the only independent testing program for low-emitting products. Access to the GREENGUARD Product Guide™, at www.greenguard.org, is provided at no charge.
To find out more about how Wilsonart supports green building initiatives and Wilsonart’s green manufacturing initiatives, visit www.wilsonart.com/corporate/environment
Wilsonart International, based in Temple, Texas, is a leading manufacturer of decorative surfacing products, including Wilsonart®Laminate. This year, the company celebrates its 50th year in business. For more information about Wilsonart Laminate or any Wilsonart product, please call the Customer Service Hotline at 800-433-3222. Consumers can also visit www.countertop.com and professionals can visit www.wilsonartcontract.com.
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