Eco-standards updated for kitchen and bath cabinets

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), a Reston, Va.-based trade organization for manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, decorative laminate products, has revised the criteria for companies to attain certification under the association’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).

Under the new standards, effective Jan. 1, 2011, the use of CARB ATCM compliant low formaldehyde emitting particleboard, hardwood plywood and MDF panel products is mandatory.

In addition, the updated standards encourage the use of solid wood and plywood products certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program by doubling the possible points. Companies who offer chain-of-custody sustainable forestry certification on at least one line of cabinetry earn additional points.  

Currently over 140 companies or brands are ESP certified by the association. To gain certification, applicants must earn points in each of five ESP categories: Air Quality, Product Resource Management, Process Resource Management, Environmental Stewardship and Community Relations.   

KCMA ESP certified cabinets can be identified by the ESP seal, located on sink base and vanity base of all certified lines. To obtain a complete list of ESP certified manufacturers and learn more about the program, visit www.greencabinetsource.org.