Innovative Technology
According to Clough, the operational excellence at Urufor's Red Grandis plantations incorporates more than just sound forest management techniques. The company manages roadways and access points to keep the average log travel distance down to a mere 19 miles, minimizing environmental impact and carbon emissions. Urufor's Red Grandis operation does not require any electricity from the national grid. Instead, it contributes to the grid with excess power generated by an on-site 12 megawatt cogeneration plant running on the downfall and wood waste from the harvesting and production processes. "Thus the company fulfills its corporate responsibility by providing sustainable materials, green jobs and electrical power to the community," stated Clough.
Moreover, the open spaces on Urufor's Red Grandis forest lands allow for cattle grazing, which remove debris from the forest floor and reduces the fire hazard. The forest also provides habitat for American ostrich and the native Tero bird proving that responsible forest management is beneficial to all life in the forest.
For assisting in the global expansion of environmental stewardship, UCS Forest Group of Companies was recognized with the IWPA 2012 Award for Environmental Excellence.
From ancient times when Egyptians used primitive technology to create a form of plywood, to ground-breaking machinery inventions that revolutionized wood products manufacturing in the mid-1800s, right through to the 21st century, the woodworking industry has awed the world with innovations and inventions. The latest, PureBond®, is a woodworker's delight.
Columbia Forest Products (CFP) was awarded the IWPA Innovative Excellence Award for its invention of PureBond®. This EPA-award winning technology uses soy protein instead of traditional urea-formaldehyde based resins for decorative hardwood plywood assembly. The technology allows CFP to produce no-added formaldehyde decorative plywood panels made from domestic and imported materials.
Columbia Forest Products is North America's largest manufacturer of hardwood plywood and hardwood veneer products. Upon winning the award, John Hedin, vice president of international operations at CFP said, "PureBond® panels utilize a nature-inspired soy based resin that allows plywood manufacturing to be done without the use of urea-formaldehyde based resins and that gives customers a clear choice for improving their indoor air quality."
The decorative panels of CFP conform to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and meet California Air Resources Board's high standards. PureBond® panels earn points for LEED's EQ credit 4.4 low-emitting materials.
For the development of PureBond® technology, Columbia Forest Products earned the 2012 IWPA Award for Innovative Excellence.
Frequently asked questions
What is PureBond technology in hardwood plywood?+
PureBond is a technology developed by Columbia Forest Products that uses a soy protein-based resin instead of traditional urea-formaldehyde based resins to assemble decorative hardwood plywood. This allows production of no-added formaldehyde decorative plywood panels from domestic and imported materials.
Do PureBond panels qualify for LEED credits?+
Yes. PureBond decorative panels conform to the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED standards and earn points for LEED EQ credit 4.4 for low-emitting materials. They also meet the California Air Resources Board's high standards.
How does Urufor power its Red Grandis operations?+
Urufor's Red Grandis operation does not draw electricity from the national grid. Instead, it runs on an on-site 12 megawatt cogeneration plant fueled by downfall and wood waste from harvesting and production, and contributes excess power back to the grid.
How does Urufor minimize log transportation impact at its Red Grandis plantations?+
Urufor manages roadways and access points so that the average log travel distance is kept to just 19 miles, which minimizes environmental impact and carbon emissions.
Why is cattle grazing allowed on Urufor's Red Grandis forest land?+
Open spaces on the forest lands are used for cattle grazing because the cattle remove debris from the forest floor, reducing fire hazard. The forest also supports wildlife such as the American ostrich and the native Tero bird.
Who won the IWPA 2012 Award for Environmental Excellence and Innovative Excellence?+
UCS Forest Group of Companies received the IWPA 2012 Award for Environmental Excellence for supporting global environmental stewardship. Columbia Forest Products earned the 2012 IWPA Award for Innovative Excellence for developing PureBond technology.