Nevamar and the Environment

Nevamar and the Environment

Nevamar is a laminate company committed to preserving the environment and enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves.

The environmental focus of Nevamar is manifested in many of it’s initiatives - both large and small – reflecting the strength of their commitment.

Up to 60% of High Pressure Laminate is paper - Kraft and decorative print, both of which are renewable resources.

Of this paper, more than 33% is of residue wood chips collected from the lumber manufacturing process. These residue chips are converted into pulp for the paper making process.

Additionally, up to 10% of trimmings in the paper making process are recycled back into making more paper (post industrial recycle content).

The steps Nevamar has taken to reduce waste in manufacturing regarding raw materials, energy consumption, air quality and water include:

Waste - Nevamar works diligently to reduce waste and to recycle waste wherever possible. Waste paper, scrap metal and pallets are all recycled. In addition, approximately 91% of sander dust and scrap from the manufacturing process is composted and used in farming applications or chopped for oil well drilling packing material.

A paper waste recycling program is in effect that collects low-grade Kraft and print papers at various intermediate steps in the manufacturing process, paper roll cores and wrappers, as well as shipping pallet and skid recycling. This effort diverts in excess of 1 million pounds from land filling to recycling annually.

All Nevamar Decorative Surfaces facilities also recycle other materials such as scrap metal, acetone, light bulbs, etc.

Air quality - Nevamar meets all permitted requirements for visible emissions from the facility. Air emission from the cutting and sanding operations are routed through dust collection systems that are greater than 99% efficient. To reduce air emissions, fumes from resin manufacturing are incinerated in the boilers.

Hazardous waste - Nevamar actively works to reduce the amount of hazardous waste generated. The two manufacturing facilities have reduced hazardous waste generation by 45% since 1999. Hazardous waste is incinerated, rather than being land filled.

Water - Non-contact cooling water is used for the manufacturing process. Nevamar employs a closed loop system to recycle 60-95% of cooling water depending on ambient temperatures.

Nevamar Laminates Environmental Credentials

Greenguard Certification
The Green Guard Environmental Institute is an independent not-for-profit organisation that oversees the Green Guard certification program. Nevamar laminates have been scientifically tested to earn Green Guard Indoor Air Quality Certification for low emitting products and the more rigorous Green Guard Children and Schools Certification.

Eco Specifier
Nevamar Laminates have been independently assessed by ecospecifier and included on their list of environmentally preferable materials and products. In addition, ecospecifier has determined that this product may contribute to Green Star credit points.

Nevamar continues to advocate expanded awareness and encourages new ideas to help keep their promise to preserve a vibrant and healthy environment for the present and future generations.

For more information on Nevamar and to see the 2009 colour palette, please visit the Gunnersen website www.gunnersens.com.au or www.gunnersens.co.nz or call your nearest Gunnersen Branch.