Thursday, November 19, 2009

Wood and Waste and a hint of Eucalyptus



Sustainability is about many things, but who knew it would include plastic, as in plastic laminate. Well the people at Wilsonart of Temple, Texas did.

In an article posted yesterday, November 18, 2009, on Interior Design’s blog by Penny Bonda, http://bit.ly/3pflZ4 , the accomplishments of Wilsonart in their environmental stewardship were highlighted.

Wilsonart is know as an industry leader in the production of high-pressure decorative laminate. They are also producers of Laminate Flooring, Solid Surface and Adhesives. A consistent theme throughout the portfolio of Wilsonart is the attention to environmental issues.

The recent achievement of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain of custody certification for their high-pressure laminate from the Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) is the first award to a laminate company.



When you look at the content of a typical laminate from Wilsonart, you have rapidly renewable materials, primarily eucalyptus, post-consumer recycled content, FSC and controlled wood fiber that contribute to the majority (70%) of the material. The remaining material being resin. The laminate backer contains a minimum of 30% recycled content as well. The post-consumer recycled content in the laminate is the highest in the industry.

The collection of color and patterns from Wilsonart is as great as their environmental story. The new patterns Medallion, Eclipse, Luna and Mosaic revel an ability to show a vision while keeping current with design and trends within their portfolio. The new collection of wood laminates is also a beautiful addition to the more traditional standards.

What are your new favorites? Mine is 4893-60 Tumbled Mosaic.


Also available in Wilsonart HD High Definition and Wilsonart Premium Laminates is AEON Enhanced Performance technology. It creates a surface that is more durable and can last longer in areas that take more wear and abuse that a standard surface, all the while the product will still look great.

All Wilsonart Laminate products are Greenguard Indoor Air Quality and Children and School Certified, and can contribute to LEED credit for Low Emitting Materials, Indoor Air Quality, Recycled Content, Rapidly Renewable Resources and Responsible Forest Management.

The overall package of Wilsonart as a company is the real future. While laminate has gotten the sustainable spotlight, the company is committed to their environmental program with all their products. The Adhesives for wood and laminate are Greenguard Certified for Indoor Air Quality, the first introduced. The Laminate Floor is SCS Certified for a minimum of 70% pre-consumer recycled wood fiber as well as Greenguard Certified for Indoor Air Quality. The wood fiber is also from sources that are certified by Sustainable Forestry Initiative. The Solid Surface made by Wilsonart is also Greenguard Certified for Indoor Air Quality.

Look up Wilsonart and all that they have to offer at http://www.wilsonart.com/default.aspx .