Composite Panel Association Becomes Third-Party Certifier

The Composite Panel Association (CPA) announced that it is the first entity in the world to receive Third Party Certification (TPC) approval under the new CARB rule. The regulation, which imposes a tough production standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products, requires composite panel manufacturers to be certified by a CARB–approved TPC if they wish to sell products in California.

“This is a proud day for CPA,” says president Tom Julia, “and a strong validation of the rigor and professionalism of our Grademark certification programs.” CPA has been operating product certification programs for 40 years and is widely regarded as the North American leader in composite panel emissions testing.

CPA will be conducting its testing out of the association’s new, state–of–the–art International Testing and Certification Center (ITCC) in Leesburg, Virginia. The Center features three new large chambers and is equipped for small chamber, perforator and desiccator testing. The certification, auditing and laboratory services of the ITCC carry internationally recognized accreditations by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the International Accreditation Services (IAS) and the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP), respectively.

“From our experienced professional staff, to our reputation for quality and service, to our new state–of–the–art facility, no other facility is as prepared to test and certify low and ultra–low emitting wood products,” says Julia.

CPA will immediately begin working with composite panel manufacturers interested in CARB certification and expects to be certifying manufacturers to the CARB rule by midyear. “Many downstream customers are eager to begin purchasing CARB–compliant products,” says Julia, “and we will work as quickly as possible to certify manufacturers so they can get those products into the marketplace.”

CPA has created a website at www.CARBrule.org that provides manufacturers and customers with regularly updated information and downloadable fact sheets on the regulation.

Need more info and analysis about the issues?
CLICK HERE to subscribe to DWM magazine.