Particleboard is a composite panel product consisting of cellulosic particles of various sizes that are bonded together with a synthetic resin or binder under heat and pressure. Particle geometry, resin levels, board density and manufacturing processes may be modified to produce products suitable for specific end uses. At the time of manufacture, additives can be incorporated to impart specific performance enhancements including greater dimensional stability, increased fire retardancy and moisture resistance.Today’s particleboard gives industrial users the consistent quality and design flexibility needed for fast, efficient production lines and quality consumer products. Particleboard panels are manufactured in a variety of dimensions and with a wide range of physical properties that provides maximum design flexibility for specifiers and end users.

PRODUCT STANDARDS, REGULATION AND CERTIFICATION

The American National Standard for Particleboard (ANSI A208.1) is the North American industry voluntary standard that classifies particleboard by physical, mechanical and dimensional characteristics as well as formaldehyde levels. The consensus-based Standard was developed through the sponsorship of the Composite Panel Association (CPA) in conjunction with producers, users and general interest groups. A summary of the ANSI Property Requirements is included in CPA’s Surface & Panel Buyers Guide and copies of the Standard are available from CPA.

Third-party certification to ANSI Standards is required for many applications of composite panels. For example, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the physical properties of manufactured home decking to be third-party certified. In addition, many building code jurisdictions require the physical properties of particleboard underlayment and stair treads to be third-party certified..

Regulations by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establish formaldehyde emissions limits of 0.09 ppm for particleboard. Panel emissions are measured using an ASTM test procedure conducted by an accredited laboratory, and the results are reviewed and certified by a third-party certification body. While EPA TSCA Title VI is the most stringent emissions standard in the world, many particleboard manufacturers have voluntarily developed no-added formaldehyde (NAF) and ultra-low emitting formaldehyde (ULEF) products. A list of companies currently producing NAF/ULEF products is available here. CPA’s laboratory and certification services have been recognized by both CARB and EPA. For more information on our state-of-the-art testing and certification programs click here.Inaddition CPA’s Eco-Certified Composite (ECC) is a voluntary industry standard that establishes key environmental criteria for composite panels. To earn the ECC label, a manufacturer must meet CARB and EPA formaldehyde emissions requirements for 100% of their panels 100% of the time, even if panels are manufactured in countries where these regulations do not apply. The standard also specifies carbon footprint, life-cycle inventory, and other verifiable environmental practices and emphasizes the responsible use of wood fiber. For more information on the ECC program click here.