To encourage increased use of low-emitting composite wood and to further focus on recyclable materials, the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association's (KCMA) Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) has recently expanded its certification criteria to boost environmental protections in the manufacturing of cabinetry beginning January 1, 2010. Currently, more than 150 companies/brands are ESP-certified.

Compliance with all applicable local, state and federal environmental regulations is a fundamental ESP requirement. To strengthen that requirement, ESP now requires participants to report any violation resulting in a fine exceeding $50,000 to KCMA within 60 days. A process has been established to deal with any such occurrence. Final resolution of such a violation could result in termination of the participant from the ESP program.

ESP now encourages increased use of low-formaldehyde-emitting materials in the production of cabinetry. Points are awarded for participants who use at least 80 percent particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and hardwood plywood that comply with the emissions limits established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in its Compwood ATCM in the manufacture of their cabinets. Third-party certification and labeling are required to demonstrate compliance. 

“From ESP’s inception, KCMA has always planned to continuously improve the program to reflect technological advances, industry standards, and new regulations,” said Dick Titus, executive VP of KCMA. “We plan to regularly re-evaluate ESP not only to reflect the needs and demands of our customers, but to ensure that the environment truly is protected and that ESP cabinets are environmentally friendly.”