Suppliers speak out

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fcnews

March 23, 2015 I 3 A SUPPLEMENT TO

floorcovering

news michael blick

president/ceo [email protected]

steven feldman publisher/editorial director [email protected]

dustin aaronson associate publisher/advertising director [email protected]

editorial jenna lippin managing editor social media strategist [email protected]

ken ryan senior editor [email protected]

nadia ramlakhan assistant editor [email protected]

art/production frank notarbartolo art/production director [email protected]

classified advertising kevin gomez [email protected]

headquarters 550 w. old country road, suite 204 hicksville, ny 11801 tel: 516.932.7860 fax: 516.932.7639 e-mail: [email protected], website: fcnews.net

founder albert wahnon 1920-2011

Copyright 2015 by Ro•El Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher. The opinions expressed by columnists do not necessarily reflect the views of management. Single copy $2 U.S. subscriptions $25/yr. Canadian subscriptions $50 U.S./yr. Foreign via air $200 U.S./yr, foreign via surface $100 U.S./yr. Printed in the U.S.A.

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Flooring industry speaks out on compliance By Ken Ryan hen the CBS program “60 Minutes” For Somerset, it is taking advantage of sent undercover investigators to three being a large, vertically integrated wood prodChinese factories that produce laminate ucts company that can manage the raw mateflooring for Lumber Liquidators, it exposed rials and supply chain from the forest to the excessive levels of the carcinogen formalde- finished flooring, and is personally involved in hyde in the glue used to bind wood particles all aspects of quality control. that make up the core of the laminated For Mohawk, it is an innovation called boards. In testing commissioned by the PureBond, which replaces formaldehyde adheshow, 30 of 31 boxes of the product labeled sives traditionally used in the manufacture of compliant with California Resources Board engineered wood products that eliminates (CARB) were not, with some emitting as formaldehyde emissions associated with UF much as 13 times adhesives. the CARB 2 limit. For Armstrong, it It didn’t take is having sourcing long for that scaldmanagers on the ing report to reverground in China and berate throughout product stewardship the flooring induspersonnel in Lancaster, try; by the next Pa., who ensure prodmorning, manufacuct compliance and turers, distributors regularly monitor that and retailers retesting and certificasponded with letters tions are up to date. and documentation to reassure customers For Mannington, it is to ensure that its enthat their products—sourced, manufac- tire line of laminate products is 100% Made in tured, distributed or sold in the U.S.—com- the USA, NALFA certified and FloorScore cerply with the leading environmental tified for indoor air quality. When it came to standards including CARB 2. being CARB compliant, Mannington changed The report raised serious concerns about its glue system to a no-added formaldehyde products sourced from China and the con- version back in 1994. trols manufacturers have in place to ensure Other sponsor manufacturers featured in these goods are in compliance. Several floor- this supplement are similarly diligent in setting ing companies responded with press re- high standards that include third-party testing leases. of their products and careful evaluation of poFCNews reached out to hardwood and tential partners. laminate suppliers to hear their stories. For flooring retailers who face the chalThese are companies that have built reputa- lenge of a more skeptical customer base in the tions, even legacies, on doing things the right wake of the Lumber Liquidators report, proway. viding credible information will be key, as well The sponsors of this supplement to as delivering reliable facts in a straightforward FCNews submitted articles that detailed their manner. This is true not only as it relates to own CARB 2 compliance. formaldehyde in laminate and engineered For Shaw, it’s examining the ingredient wood products produced in China, but to other materials, the impact of its supply chain and compliance requirements for all product cateuse of natural resources and the ability to re- gories. cover and recycle products. Many flooring industry executives see this For Mullican, it is the internal policies Lumber Liquidators story as an opportunity for that provide clear guidance concerning the specialty retailers to leverage their expertise procurement of timber and approved meth- and win over customers. Right there with the ods for manufacturing. dealers are the supplier partners helping retailFor Mirage, it includes using VOC- and ers communicate the benefits of CARB 2-comformaldehyde-free finishes when it manu- pliant flooring while allaying fears. factures its floors. This means developing This FCNews supplement on compliance products that meet the LEED v4 indoor en- gives manufacturers a voice to state their comvironmental quality requirements. pliance cases.

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5 things flooring dealers need to know about CARB 2

5 things flooring dealers need to know about the Lacey Act

With the aim of protecting public health, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted a regulation to limit the amount of formaldehyde emitted from composite wood products.

The Lacey Act, which prohibits the import of illegally logged timber in the U.S., has received a great deal of attention since being passed into law four years ago.

The regulation establishes formaldehyde emission limits for: •particleboard (PB) •hardwood plywood with veneer core (HWPW-VC) •hardwood plywood with composite core (HWPW-CC) •medium density fiberboard (MDF) •thin MDF (tMDF) less than 8 millimeter All finished goods made with these materials—including laminate and engineered hardwood—must be made from certified compliant panels. Here are five things flooring dealers can do to ensure they are selling CARB-compliant products: 1. Check for proper labels A fabricator must include its name, the date of fabrication and a statement of compliance when properly labeling finished goods containing composite wood products. 2. Keep proper records Suppliers must include a statement denoting compliance with the regulation that dealers should have handy. Check for a statement on invoices or bills of all products made with HWPW, PB or MDF. Retailers must keep records of invoices and of all regulated finished good purchases. Records must show the date of purchase and the supplier. Records must be kept for at least two years. 3. Inspections All retail facilities that sell, offer to sell or supply composite wood products are subject to inspection by CARB staff. CARB staff may purchase products for laboratory testing to determine compliance with emissions standards. 4. Be prepared As of today, the Composite Wood Products Regulation—one of the most stringent guidelines in effect to limit formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products—is only being implemented in California. While other states have not adopted similar regulations yet, the Environmental Protection Agency is developing a national regulation based on California’s mandate, which may soon take effect nationwide.

For flooring retailers, here are some key points to remember: 1. Promote Lacey The Lacey Act can enhance your business if you promote the fact your store is compliant. By selecting the right suppliers and choosing product lines carefully, dealers can use Lacey to enhance their imported products and reassure customers they are helping the environment. 2. Know your responsibilities It is a U.S. federal offense to trade in illegal plants/plant-based products. Examples of illegal activities include harvesting logs illegally, trading a product without paying proper duties or other fees, or smuggling/stealing lumber. Lacey covers material from every country, including all wood and wood products harvested and produced in the U.S. 3. Due diligence The Lacey Act confers responsibility on all members of the flooring industry, including retailers, to conduct due diligence in making a reasonable and responsible effort to understand and evaluate their supply chain. To do this, flooring retailers should ask questions of their suppliers to make sure they are doing their best to harvest and supply legal wood. 4. Don’t be passive No dealer should passively rely on others to make the risk assessment for them. Some simple guidelines: •Every retail business should create a written company policy stating the intent to buy/sell only legal wood products. •In the event of an investigation, written policies, checklist and documented actions will be primary evidence that due care was exercised. •If the price is well below market, recognize there is a reason and ask more questions. •Know where the wood was harvested. If it is coming from a higher risk country then realize the risk is greater. If it comes from a low-risk country, verify that it was not first imported from a high-risk area. Use third-party certifications when you can. 5. Caution signs

5. Responsibility for non-compliant products The importer will ultimately be held responsible. However, all players in the supply chain from the raw board manufacturer to the retailer are potentially liable until the enforcement investigation determines otherwise. There is no product certification or chain of custody that will insulate anyone from an enforcement action. CARB enforcement staff will evaluate each situation on a case-by-case basis. It is important to note that CARB will enforce this standard through random product testing and a strict chain of custody requirement.

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The Department of Justice expects flags to trigger additional questions by the importer/buyer and could mean that parties to these transactions must meet a higher standard of care: •Goods that are significantly below going market rate. •A lower price is offered for goods without paperwork. •Paperwork is suspect, such as not matching product ordered or anticipated possible country of origin. •Unusual sales and delivery methods are used, and rational answers to questions are not forthcoming.

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How consumers can protect themselves from unethical flooring dealers By Jim Augustus Armstrong Note: This article is an educational piece for consumers who may be concerned about the safety of laminate flooring. For reprints to offer customers, please visit lumber.viprespond.com. onsumers recently learned that Lumber Liquidators has been selling Chinese-made laminate flooring with formaldehyde levels up to 13 times higher than allowed by California emissions standards. Formaldehyde is found in virtually everything, living or manufactured, but its excessive emissions can cause health problems, which is why California has strict standards for the amount allowed in flooring. Products following these standards are known as CARB 2 compliant. CARB 2 standards were accepted by the U.S. Congress and are scheduled to be adopted nationwide later in 2015. It is estimated that in California alone tens of thousands of Lumber Liquidators customers were victimized. After the story broke, consumers were left wondering how to ensure they were buying safe, quality flooring. It all starts with finding the right dealer. The good news is that by following the five steps outlined below, consumers can be sure to find an honest, ethical dealer who provides safe, quality products and reliable installations.

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Step 1: Work with a local dealer Box stores, national discounters and online dealers have no roots in your community and

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are usually unwilling to invest in professionallevel customer service to secure repeat and referral business. By contrast, local dealers— which include independent “mom-and-pop” operations, as well as reputable franchises and co-ops—have a vested interest in providing safe, quality products, reliable installations and good customer service. Step 2: Avoid the high cost of cheap prices Big box stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s that operate by slashing prices sacrifice the quality of the floor itself, the installation and possibly your health. Saving a few hundred dollars is simply not worth the heartache of a floor that falls apart six months down the road or causes health problems. Step 3: Beware the risks of “free” installations An installation by a skilled mechanic is as important as the product itself. You can pay top dollar for a high-end product only to have it coming up at the seams within a year because of a shoddy installation. It also isn’t true that installations are “free.” No installer works for nothing. Discounters make up for the cost of the “free” installation by padding the price of the materials. Also, the installers are usually underpaid, which means they have to rush from job to job, often sacrificing quality just to make a living. Step 4: Ask questions Here are some important questions to ask a dealer before buying flooring:

• Are your laminates CARB 2 compliant? Working with a reputable, local dealer who provides references will help ensure you’re buying CARB 2 compliant products. • Do you provide product warranties? If a dealer won’t provide a warranty on the product itself in writing, buy from someone else. • Do you provide installation warranties? The installation is just as important as the product and should also come with a written warranty. Box stores, national discounters and online dealers will sometimes have written warranties, but if you need to make a claim they often delay resolving the problem until you are forced to take legal action or simply give up. Step 5: Get a list of references, testimonials. This is by far the most important step. References and testimonials are the only way you can tell ahead of time if you are working with an honest dealer who provides safe, quality products, professional installations and who honors warranties. If he refuses to provide references, find another dealer. By following these five steps you can help ensure that you avoid a flooring nightmare and instead get the safe, beautiful floors you’ve been dreaming of. Jim Augustus Armstrong is the president of Flooring Success Systems, which provides training and turnkey sales and marketing solutions for flooring dealers. He is available for speaking and training both in-person and via webinar. Call 877.887.5791 or email [email protected]. March 23, 2015 I 5

Tr i a n g u l o A case of sustainable forestry management riangulo Hardwood Flooring is the premier ing. While most lumber buyers or foreign manufacturers Brazilian manufacturer in today’s flooring mar- undervalue the drying process, Triangulo dries every ket. Focusing on the production of quality ex- species independently in order to meet the demands of otics, Triangulo has been on the forefront of an various climates and improve performance. For example, evolving industry. More than 280 square miles of pri- Brazilian cherry cannot be kiln dried at the same temvate FSC-certified forest puts Triangulo in a unique po- perature and time as a Brazilian walnut. It took years for sition, ensuring a Lacey Act-compliant product and at Triangulo to refine this process, extensively testing each the same time preserving the Brazilian rain forest. new species before introducing it to the market. As the market has changed over the last 20 years, Using sustainable management techniques, selective harvesting guarantees adequate supply and revitaliza- Triangulo has evolved with it. The number of exotics has moved from the already popular Brazilian cherry and tion of the forest. Given the impact of forestry operations on its nat- tigerwood to a new range of colors and tones. Products ural resources, Triangulo is permanently monitoring like Brazilian pecan, amendoim, Brazilian chestnut and the fauna and flora in the area. This is done by the com- Brazilian teak are gaining more popularity. To keep up pany’s field teams as well as specialists and professors with these changes, Triangulo has had to look into alat Rondonia University under an agreement signed in ternative resources and make adjustments to its production process. More than ever before, steps have been 2005. Recently Triangulo opened a Forest Education Cen- taken to ensure that every single plank of flooring meets ter (CEFLOM) for training employees and students and exceeds indoor air quality requirements. from all over Brazil on the benefits of selective harvesting. All these efforts culminated when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations acknowledged Triangulo as an exemplary case of sustainable forestry management. It’s not difficult to imagine a scenario where a manufacturer has to buy tropical lumber from various Throughout its 43 years in manufacturing, Triangulo said it has always sources. It happens performed beyond required legislation, obtaining full compliance more often than not. with CARB 2 regulations well before the mandate. For these companies to ensure that all raw Until earlier this month, not many people were fully materials have been properly harvested involves quite a bit of time, energy and due diligence. This process is aware of the dangers of formaldehyde emission for both even more difficult if the manufacturer is buying lumber laminate and engineered wood flooring. The report from a country 10,000 miles away in Asia, where these shown on “60 Minutes” shed new light on the subject. species are not found. Having a tight control on supply Throughout its 43 years in manufacturing, Triangulo aland being vertically integrated has been critical to Tri- ways performed beyond required legislation. Triangulo angulo’s success. Controlling every process from growing obtained full compliance with CARB 93120 or CARB 2 the forests to selectively harvesting the logs all the way regulations and has operated under these requirements through the final product gives Triangulo a tremendous well before the mandate. Triangulo’s engineered wood products also meet USGBC LEED standards regarding advantage in assuring a Lacey Act-compliant product. Nonetheless, this is just the first step of many Trian- indoor environmental quality requirements. Retailers that offer Triangulo products are not only gulo takes in order to remain the very best manufacturer of quality exotics. The company’s quality continues from guaranteed high quality, but also peace of mind on sellits privately owned forests to the drying and manufactur- ing fully compliant products.

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…being vertically integrated has been critical to Triangulo’s success.

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Hallmark Keep calm and breathe easy Recently, “60 Minutes” investigated Lumber Liquidators regarding formaldehyde emission levels in its Chinese laminate flooring. “60 Minutes” sent investigators to factories in China, where plant managers were asked if the products they were producing for Lumber Liquidators were CARB 2 compliant. The managers answered that they were not, and when boxes from this Formaldehyde: Fiction, fear and facts retailer were filmed in the factory, these same materials Fact: •Normal indoor air ratings for formaldehyde are were labeled as CARB 2 compliant. The materials in question failed to meet CARB 2 standards, in many 0.03 to 0.06ppm. cases by having a significantly higher formaldehyde Fact: •Independent third-party testing established that emission level than allowed by California. It is important to note that federal standards allow Hallmark Floors is 0.01 to 0.04ppm, which surpasses for formaldehyde emission higher than those of CARB CARB 2 requirements. Are Hallmark Floors engineered wood floors CARB 2. However, the CARB 2 standard resembles the much more stringent indoor 2 compliant? Yes. In air quality standards fact, Hallmark Floors found in Europe and has always used lowJapan. Since California emitting glues and was is such a large part of producing products that the U.S. market, repmet this standard as utable manufacturers early as the beginning of simply adhered to the 2008, four years before more stringent stanCARB 2 became law. dards by using super Independent, thirdlow-emitting adhesives party testing estabto construct both fiberlished the following: Alta Vista, a line in Hallmark’s engineered Organic collection, board and veneer core •Silverado & Chaparral Collections have a had an emissions level of 0.042, well below CARB 2 compliance. plywood/hardwood. CARB 2 became the ppm rating of 0.012, gold standard, and consumers wanted these products emissions well below CARB 2 standards. •Heirloom, Hacienda, Ventura, Monterey and whether or not they lived in California. In recent years, Moderno Collections have a ppm rating of 0.028, emis- excessive exposure to formaldehyde has been discovered as a human health hazard and potential carcinogen. sions well below CARB 2. •Alta Vista and Organic Engineered have a ppm rat- These facts facilitated the need for more stringent standards such as CARB 2. ing of 0.042, emissions well below CARB 2. What exactly is CARB 2 and what does it mean? The Fact: •Normal outdoor air ratings for formaldehyde are testing methods are designed to see how much formaldehyde is being released into the air and meas0.03 to 0.06 ppm. •The majority of manufacturers care for their cus- ured by finding how many parts per million exist in a cubic meter (35.3146667 cubic feet) of air. The standard tomers and produce compliant products. •The use of non-compliant glues is a monetary issue of measure is metric as the standards are international as there is a great deal of potential cost savings. Non-com- and make the playing field level and transparent. The plaint glues dry much faster and thus increase efficiency, CARB 2 maximum rate of emission of formaldehyde for save large amounts of money and give those who sell engineered plywood/flooring is 0.05ppm and applies to the engineered wood flooring products Hallmark manthem a cost advantage over reputable manufacturers. •Formaldehyde is a naturally occurring substance ufactures. The CARB 2 standard for medium density in plant fibers, including many natural and healthy fiber board/laminate flooring is 0.11ppm (a higher allowance due to the greater amount of glue required to foods we eat. •The excessive concentration and molecular manip- manufacture that type of material). Hallmark Floors does not manufacture any laminate flooring. ulation of this substance is what gets us in trouble. The latest tests prove Hallmark Floors is surpassing Fear: CARB 2 requirements. For more information and FAQs •Lack of a full understanding of the facts. visit hallmarkfloors.com. •“Are my hardwood floors harming me?” hird-party testing has established that Hallmark Floors is beyond CARB 2 compliant. By using low-emitting glues during its manufacturing process, the company has adhered to health and safety standards long before they became laws.

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Hallmark Floors has always used low-emitting glues and was producing products that met this standard as early as the beginning of 2008…

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Mercier Generations products are greener than ever n the aftermath of the recent “60 Minutes” report gram regarding volatile organic components (VOCs). regarding Lumber Liquidators, Mercier Wood Flooring pointed out that its Mercier Generations prod- A natural choice ucts are Greenguard Gold Certified—the highest A hardwood floor is a pure natural product. A study conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association environmental certification on the market. Made using 100% pure soybean oil, Mercier Gen- (NWFA) showed that a hardwood floor is the most ecoerations flooring passes stringent environmental tests logical floor covering choice, showing little or no emisat every step in the finishing, dying and varnishing sion of greenhouse gases and allergens, and using the process in order to earn the prestigious Greenguard least amount of energy to produce. It also has the longest Gold Certification. service life. The Greenguard Gold Certification requirements comply with California’s Department of Public Health Raw material usage Services Standard Practice for Specification Section Since wood is a precious material, Mercier uses the in01350 (California Section 01350) for testing chemical dustry’s most yield-optimized production systems to emissions from building products used in schools and avoid unnecessary loss of material. The modern sawmill other environments. Greenguard Gold Certification (formerly known as Greenguard Children & Schools Certification) offers a strict certification criteria, considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals (such as children and the elderly), and ensures that a product is acceptable for use in environments such as schools and health care facilities. It is referenced by both The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Building Rating System. Every adhesive used in Mercier’s engineered products are free of urea-formaldehyde. Hardwood plywood used in Mercier’s Mercier’s tradition of innovation has allowed it to develop the healthiest finishes and stains, including American walnut, engineered products are CARB 2 compliant. part of its Exotic collection. Incidentally, CARB requirements do not apply to solid hardwood products; it applies only to substrates used in the manufacturing of engi- allows the company to produce wood from smaller logs, usually rejected by traditional sawmills. neered products. Founded in 1980 in Montmagny, Quebec, Mercier Wood Flooring was the pioneer in factory-finished wood Zero residue floors. Thirty years later, Mercier’s finishing and varnish- 100% of wood waste residues from production are reing processes have become the industry standard. cycled. Mercier does not waste as a result of its transMercier produces more than 12 million square feet of formation process. Wood shavings, sawdust, wood-waste high quality Greenguard Certified flooring every year. residues, wood chips, bark, firewood logs and even unThe company’s Drummondville plant and Montmagny usable flooring planks are recovered and reintegrated head office in Quebec service homes and businesses into the industry in various forms such as fuel for heataround the world. With 13 wood species and 86 rich col- ing the factory, materials for residential heating, landors, it is possible to choose from among over 3,000 op- scaping mulches, in the pulp and paper industry and for the manufacture of wooden pallets and crates. tions of every conceivable description. Any energy used in the production process is reused, either in the winter heating system or as fuel for Innovation Mercier’s tradition of innovation has allowed it to de- the dry kilns. In reward of its energy reuse efforts, velop the healthiest finishes and stains. Laboratory tests Mercier Wood Flooring was named Energetical Indusreveal that Mercier Generations finish does not have any trial Innovator in 2005 by Canada Natural Resources in formaldehyde emissions and performs beyond the LEED the context of its Canadian Industry Energy Economy norm and the environmental certification choice pro- Program (PEEIC).

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Mercier Generations flooring passes stringent environmental tests at every step in the finishing, dying and varnishing process…

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Mohawk Product priority: Surpass rigorous testing Mohawk, Quick-Step’s Q-Wood, Pergo, Columbia n recent weeks, the flooring industry has seen the topic of high formaldehyde levels in products man- and Century domestically produce engineered hardufactured in China spotlighted in the national woods which utilize technologies such as PureBond. news. And while this story is worth the attention PureBond is an innovation that replaces formaldehyde of flooring retailers, it is a topic that Mohawk Industries adhesives traditionally used in the manufacture of enhas taken into consideration throughout its history of gineered wood products and eliminates formaldehyde emissions associated with UF adhesives. manufacturing and selling these products. Quick-Step, Pergo, Columbia and Mohawk’s Mohawk’s commitment remains to responsibly manufacture and provide the highest quality engineered patented glueless Uniclic Technology provides fast, easy installation of lamhardwood and laminate inate planks without floors that meet strict adversely impacting inU.S. guidelines. Retaildoor air quality. If a reers deserve top design, pair is ever needed, quality, service and other glueless locking value, and doing the systems require that right things has helped large floor sections be Mohawk become the discarded, even when world’s leading and only a few planks are largest flooring manudamaged. Uniclic alfacturer. Products across lows for replacement of the Mohawk Hard Suronly the damaged face, Quick-Step, Coplank—even one in the lumbia, Century and middle of the floor—to Pergo portfolios have Mohawk’s commitment remains to responsibly manufacture reduce landfill waste. earned the following and provide the highest quality engineered hardwood and Mohawk hardwood health and sustainability laminate floors that meet strict U.S. guidelines. Pictured and select laminates certifications: here is Mohawk’s Barrington Laminate. carry the industry’s •California Air Resources Board (CARB) Phase 2 certification ensures most durable coating system and stain-resistant finish hardwood or laminate flooring meets strict formalde- for hardwood floors: ArmorMax. Backed by an extended wear warranty, ArmorMax is up to five times more wearhyde emissions standards. •North American Laminate Flooring Association resistant than other leading finishes, significantly ex(NALFA) certification ensures laminate flooring meets tending flooring life and appearance, reducing the need demanding performance standards, including adher- for new hardwood resources. Q-Wood by Quick-Step engineered hardwood ence to CARB requirements. •FloorScore certifies that all laminate and engi- floors feature Mohawk’s exclusive Opulux Performneered hardwood flooring meet strict indoor air quality ance Enhanced Finish. Not only does the Opulux finish provide exceptional beauty, it’s also renewable. standards. •Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers (AHMI) Scuffs and minor wear that occur over time simply has verified data from the U.S. Forest Service that Ap- wipe away with the unique Renewal Revitalizing Sopalachian Hardwood Territory timber is harvested sus- lution. Additionally, a vast majority of the company’s lamitainably. Mohawk uses AHMI timber in select nate and engineered hardwood products sold in the U.S. hardwood flooring. •All of Mohawk’s hardwood flooring is Lacey Act under the Mohawk, Quick-Step, Columbia, Century and compliant, ensuring the timber used is responsibly har- Pergo brands are manufactured in North Carolina and Virginia, continuing the confidence in how Americanvested from sustainable forests. At Mohawk, it is a priority to make certain the prod- made materials are sourced, manufactured, distributed ucts retailers receive surpass the most rigorous testing. and serviced. Mohawk Industries is committed to offering its reRetailers can’t afford to risk offering low quality, imported products from companies that do not stand be- tailers the highest quality flooring products that are in hind what they’re selling. Retailers must partner with strict compliance with U.S. guidelines. Named the Most companies like Mohawk that offer the highest level of Sustainable Flooring Company by Newsweek in 2014, service and dependability that support their business at Mohawk is focused on delivering innovative, safe and sustainable flooring solutions in every channel. every level.

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Mohawk is focused on delivering innovative, safe and sustainable flooring solutions in every channel.

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Shaw Setting high standards for itself, suppliers onsumers want confidence in the products they buy. That’s where “green seals” or certifications can be helpful. That’s one of the reasons Shaw Floors goes beyond standards required by law to pursue independent, third-party assessments such as Cradle to Cradle, Greenguard, FloorScore and more. It’s important for retailers as a homeowner’s trusted advisor to understand the variety of product certifications available for flooring, including what each certification tests for, how that information is tested (i.e., by an independent third party) and how frequently those tests occur. It’s also incumbent on manufacturers to ensure their products are verified and clearly labeled, and that ongoing education and training is provided to retailers to help them communicate to customers what third-party certifications mean. By providing ongoing training to retailers and making information available on POP displays and shawfloors.com, Shaw aims to provide tools to help consumers make informed purchasing decisions.

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…Shaw Floors goes beyond standards required by law…

Shaw Floors’ commitment Shaw has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and strives to build upon its legacy of leadership every day. Shaw carefully considers the impact of its products throughout its lifecycle on the environment and on society. The company examines the ingredients, the impact of its supply chain, the use of natural resources and the ability to recycle its products. Shaw manufactures many of its offerings and sources from strategic partners in the U.S. and internationally to offer a broad portfolio of products to meet diverse customer preferences. In doing so, the company sets high standards for itself and its suppliers. Shaw takes numerous steps to verify all its products meet customers’ high expectations. These steps include: •All products are tested by a third party before Shaw enters an agreement with a supplier as part of its careful review process that evaluates potential partners to ensure they can and will credibly manufacture products to the same high quality level expected of Shaw products. •Periodic product testing is conducted by thirdparty laboratories to determine whether certification and standard requirements are met.

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•Shaw conducts voluntary testing to evaluate products beyond the random sampling done by third parties. CARB The California Air Resources Board (CARB) implemented standards to improve indoor air quality by tightening limits for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products. In 2012, the CARB formaldehyde standard was made even more stringent, lowering the limit to 0.05 parts per million. This enhanced phase is often referred to as CARB 2. Shaw voluntarily CARB compliance requires submits all of its third-party testing. Shaw lamproducts for inate and engineered hardGreenguard wood products meet or certification, exceed CARB 2 requirements. which is an additional test above and beyond CARB 2. Pictured here is Epic Legends Country Kitchen.

Greenguard Shaw voluntarily submits products for Greenguard Certification, an additional test beyond CARB requirements. All Shaw hardwood and laminate flooring products have been tested to Greenguard certification criteria and are independently verified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a global independent safety science company. The Greenguard Certification Program gives assurance that products designed for use in indoor spaces meet strict chemical emissions limits, including formaldehyde. Cradle to Cradle Shaw has its products assessed for material health and other sustainability attributes under the voluntary Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Program. The program evaluates a product’s performance in five categories: material health, material reutilization, renewable energy, water stewardship and social fairness. Shaw’s hardwood products are Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver, a third-party certification provided by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute after rigorous product assessment. Lacey Act compliant Shaw’s commitment to sustainability includes knowing where the hardwood used in its products originates and verifying it comes from sustainably managed forests. In doing so, Shaw maintains compliance with Lacey Act, which stipulates that wood must be legally sourced, harvested and delivered.

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Lauzon From the forest to the floor hirty years ago David Lauzon had a dream and Purifies indoor air vision. From there grew what has become a Lauzon’s commitment extends beyond mere compliNorth American leader in supplying customers ance. With its exclusive advanced technology, Pure Genius, Lauzon’s titanium finish, takes floor purity to a with premium hardwood flooring. Long before it became fashionable, Lauzon made a whole new level. Pure Genius is a light-activated, air-pucommitment to building a business around environ- rifying agent made of titanium dioxide, which is intemental and social responsibility with the understanding grated into Lauzon’s Titanium floor finish. Pure Genius that the beauty of a wood floor begins with a sapling and contains ACTIO2 technology licensed by Välinge Photocatalytic AB. It allows the floor to purify the air the how precious that resource is. Lauzon set out to rigorously adhere to forestry stew- way trees do. With Pure Genius, natural or artificial light activates ardship best practices and hold itself to the highest environmental standards. As stewards of nearly 2 million the titanium dioxide, setting the air-purifying agent in acres of forest, Lauzon carefully plans and executes all motion. The air circulation generated by movement through a room or fan of its harvests and works is all that’s needed for tirelessly to do things the toxic contaminants right, from forest to present in the air to floor. enter into contact with When a consumer the active Pure Genius chooses a Lauzon floor, nanoparticles. They she can take comfort in are designed to decomknowing the company’s pose toxic contamipolicies are designed to nants (formaldehyde protect forests for generand other pollutants) ations to come. Whether and convert them into Canadian or imported, harmless water and Lauzon chooses only Whether Canadian or imported, Lauzon chooses wood only sourced from sustainably managed forests. Pictured here carbon dioxide molewood sourced from susis Natural Ambience in black walnut. cules. tainably managed forests. Pure Genius helps Lauzon’s portfolio even includes a selection of FSC-certified products such as its improve health in several ways while bettering air quality: •Reduces symptoms of respiratory (asthma and alCanadian hard maple, which boasts one of the shortest lergies) and immunosuppressive disorders carbon trails in the industry. •Actively suppresses potentially carcinogenic emisLauzon is ISO 14001 certified for environmental sions (formaldehyde, solvents, VOCs and other airmanagement practices and Rainforest Alliance Certiborne pollutants) fied, which guarantees the product purchased has been •Decomposes up to 99.6% of bacteria, viruses and grown and harvested according to environmentally and mold socially responsible practices. •Reduces odors (cooking, smoke, pets, etc.) The company’s state-of-the-art sawmill allows it to •Disperses hardwood floor cleaners more easily, precisely calibrate production for high yield use of every providing cleaner floors block of wood. To minimize the environmental footPure Genius has been repeatedly tested in indeprint, Lauzon implemented a zero waste policy. pendent European and North American laboratories. It works continuously without any loss of performance Free of solvents, VOCs and formaldehyde All of its hardwood floors are manufactured without sol- over time for as long as the finish lasts. It makes the air vents, VOCs or formaldehyde and meet the strictest in a home up to 85% purer. The Pure Genius Titanium finish is available in Laustandards for toxic emissions. All of Lauzon’s hardwood, including the engineered flooring series, is fully com- zon’s Organik, Authentik and Émira series, and in velvet pliant with CARB 2, the strictest norm in the industry. or pearl on most products in the Designer and AmLauzon flooring has been tested according to ASTM biance collections. Lauzon has garnered industry-wide recognition for E1333-02 standards for formaldehyde emission, and the results indicate an emission level so low it is barely its revolutionary air-purifying smart floor. The company within the detection limit of 0.003 ppm. Its titanium shares concerns for a greener, healthier planet. By finish uses an advanced antimicrobial treatment to pre- choosing a Lauzon floor, end users have the satisfaction of naturally reducing their environmental footprint. vent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

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Mannington A century of commitment t Mannington, the quality and safety of its products is of the utmost importance, and is also top-of-mind for customers. Recent news reports have shined the spotlight on formaldehyde in wood-based flooring products, particularly laminate flooring manufactured in China. Because of this report, the safety of different types of flooring has also been brought into question. The information below will answer those questions. • All applicable Mannington flooring products comply with the California Air Resource Board’s (CARB) Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) 93120 Title 17, California Code of Regulations, and meet or exceed CARB 2 standards. The vast majority of Mannington flooring is also FloorScore certified for indoor air quality. FloorScore IAQ certification means a flooring product is independently certified by SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) to comply with the volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions criteria of the California Section 01350 program. Both CARB and FloorScore test for formaldehyde. Any product that has met these stringent standards is considered a low-VOC product that will contribute to good indoor air quality.

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Consumers should know that they can purchase and install Mannington products with confidence…

products are FloorScore IAQ certified. •All imported Mannington hardwood products have been tested and comply with CARB 2. Mannington resilient sheet, Adura and porcelain •These three product categories (resilient sheet, Adura and porcelain) do not contain formaldehyde. •All three product categories have been certified to the FloorScore IAQ standard. Mannington has a long-standing commitment to quality and safety. All of its products have passed third-

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Mannington laminate •Mannington laminate flooring is 100% made in the U.S. at its manufacturing facilities in North Carolina. Mannington laminate is certified to the NALFA LF-01 standard, •Mannington laminate is certified to a which requires third-party testing, and includes the CARB standard. standard set by the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) called the NALFA LF-01 standard. This requires third-party party environmental testing and meet or exceed the highest standards in the industry. The result is that Mantesting and includes the CARB standard. •100% of Mannington laminate is certified to the nington customers can install flooring in their homes without worrying about indoor air quality. In addition, FloorScore IAQ standard. Mannington laminate flooring, such as its recent in- as part of its ongoing commitment to quality and safety, troduction, Nantucket, is made entirely in the U.S. at the company continues to manufacture to these stanthe company’s manufacturing facility in High Point, dards, to ensure the environmental compliance of its products. Consumers should know they can purchase N.C. Mannington has been making resilient flooring in and install Mannington products with confidence and the U.S. for almost 100 years. Seychelles, new to the an assurance of a safe environment in their homes. For more information about the environmental atsheet vinyl lineup this year, is one example of the high styling and superior performance and durability for tributes of any Mannington residential product, visit mannington.com/residential. Consumers can go to the which Mannington is known. product of interest, then click on the “Environmental Attributes” link. Mannington hardwood For more information about FloorScore certification, •More than 80% of Mannington’s engineered hardwood products are made in the U.S. at its manufacturing visit rfci.com/knowledge-center/floorscore/. For more information about the CARB 2 standard, visit arb.ca.gov/toxfacilities in Alabama and North Carolina. •All domestically produced Mannington hardwood ics/compwood/consumer_faq.pdf.

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Armstrong Let the buyer have faith t is easy to understand why the recent news around tives, Armstrong has sourcing managers on the ground in laminate and formaldehyde has been upsetting to China and product stewardship personnel in Lancaster, consumers. It has raised serious concerns about Pa., who ensure product compliance and regularly monproducts sourced from China and the controls man- itor that testing and certifications are up to date. Accessibility to accurate information is key. Armufacturers have in place to ensure these products are in strong has several pages of information on its website, compliance. Of course, Armstrong can only speak about its own which are easily accessible to the consumer. Because brands and products. The best thing it can do is continu- armstrong.com is one of the most visited websites for genally strive to ensure all products fulfill the needs and de- eral information on flooring, this is an important resource sires of customers, keeping safety first and foremost. for the consumer. Resources on the site include a lamiArmstrong has been in business over 150 years and has nate sustainability page, laminate landing page and conalways stood by its products, making and selling flooring cerns addressed in the general FAQ section. In addition, Armstrong will be leveraging its social media platforms with integrity. Each company is different and, like anything else, it to educate the consumer on the safety of its laminate, as would be wrong to assume all manufacturers, Chinese or well as providing tools to channel partners to assist in this domestic, behave the same way. The best way to demon- education process. The company also arms its sales reps and distributor strate compliance partners with an is through testing. information packIn the case of lamiage to help educate nate, Armstrong retailers who can sources product for also inform and reboth Armstrong assure consumers. and Bruce brands. The purchase They are made to process involves company specificamany players, from tions, which remanufacturers and quire adherence to distributors to reall environmental, tail salespeople health and safety and installers. As regulations, inpart of that process cluding formaldeeach individual has hyde emissions, a responsibility to U.S. Federal govcommunicate all ernment mandates Armstrong’s top-selling Architectural Remnants line is known the features and and state regulafor styling and design, as well as CARB 2 compliance. benefits of a prodtions such as the uct and identify California Air Resources Board (CARB 2). Armstrong’s suppliers have their the right product for the consumer’s stated need. products tested at independent certified labs and then Everyone needs to be educated and comfortable with this information when dealing with a consumer. This will regularly provide the test results. Armstrong only accepts products that are certified to require all parties in the sales chain to communicate the meet CARB requirements. In addition, on an annual basis message that Armstrong products are safe and support the company randomly tests its products at the Hardwood healthy living environments for end users. Transparency and availability of information are paraProducts Veneer Association (HPVA) lab in Virginia for Occupational Safety and Health Administration require- mount, and retailers today need straightforward, reliable ments. As always, Armstrong is committed to providing details to pass on to customers. This is true not only as it the best quality, safest products by taking the steps nec- relates to formaldehyde in laminate and engineered wood essary, including meeting and even exceeding regulatory products produced in China but extends to other compliance requirements for all product categories. Retailers requirements. Armstrong has supply agreements in place requiring need to depend on manufacturers they know and trust, suppliers to follow CARB regulations. In addition to those that demonstrate good stewardship in dealings with cusagreements, the company is committed to taking actions tomers, employees, the government and the community. to make sure it sources compliant products, has certifi- Armstrong has stood on these principles and its motto of cates and labels product properly. To support these initia- “Let the buyer have faith” for 150 years.

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Armstrong only accepts products that are certified to meet CARB requirements.

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Wickham Compliant before it was cool ickham Hardwood Flooring is quickly becoming one of North America’s premier flooring companies, winning a Best of Surfaces award at the 2015 show in Las Vegas as well as an award at the AIA convention in Washington, D.C. With a keen eye for new looks, colors and textures, Wickham has become a leader in style and innovation. But the Canadian company doesn’t want to be just another pretty face; its commitment to its customers runs deep, especially when it comes to the issue of compliance. Compliance isn’t just a new buzzword that is making the rounds because of recent news articles concerning some businesses in the industry that have made poor judgments in regards to compliance. Located just outside of Drummondville in Wickham, Quebec, Wickham Hardwood Flooring was founded in 1989. With determination and years of hard work, the company has come to play a major role in today’s market and earned worldwide recognition for its products. Wickham has always been committed to looking out for the environment and its customers’ well being and peace of mind. That peace of mind comes from working with some of North America’s most reputable lumber suppliers over the past 25 years—companies that stand behind their products and have gained a level of trust that is so important in today’s marketplace. Many of Wickham’s lumber suppliers are FSC certified and practice the highest standards of sustainable forestry. Customers can rest assured knowing not only where Wickham obtained its flooring, but that the company was able to keep track of each and every load. Wickham Hardwood Flooring has continued to stay on the forefront of the newest and safest finishes the industry has to offer. The company has chosen two prominent companies to partner with on its oil finishes—Akzo Nobel and Woca. Akzo and Woca are widely known as innovators and manufacturers of the best finishes. The Woca UV oil finish, featuring plant-based oils and zero VOCs, was a natural choice for Wickham’s Mountain Home handscraped collection and will be a plus when retailers sell customers on the merits of this one-of-a-kind floor. Easy maintenance with Woca natural soap and periodic use of natural maintenance oil enhances the look of this floor, which gets better with age. The finish is completely natural with no harsh chemicals.

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The Canadian company doesn’t want to be just another pretty face; its commitment to its customers runs deep…

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The Akzo Nobel UV finish Wickham uses on all its smooth floors has the highest quality and durability as well as the lowest VOCs. The result is a tough, beautiful finished floor that consumers will enjoy for years to come. Retailers shouldn’t settle for cheap imports that leave them making excuses for products and “high and dry” when warranty issues arise. Move up to Wickham Hardwood Flooring. Why? Because it was compliant

Wickham is known as a leader in style and innovation, but the Canadian company is just as committed to compliance and customer satisfaction.

when compliant wasn’t cool. According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency, six out of every 10 households today contain contaminants known to aggravate allergies and asthma, from which one in five North Americans suffers to at least some extent. Hard surfaces such as hardwood floors are the best defense against many of these irritants. Hardwood flooring is easy to maintain and contains no fibers that can capture dust, pesticides or other irritants in contrast to carpet, a magnet for dust and one of the most frequent triggers of asthma. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that Wickham flooring will not cause any long-term damage to the environment. It is produced entirely in North America, where forest management and timber production are subject to the strictest environmental laws and regulations in the world. As a hardwood flooring manufacturer, Wickham benefits from helping to sustain and renew the forests that provide raw materials, ensuring that the company can continue to produce hardwood flooring for many years to come.

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Mirage Passion, innovation, integrity, commitment ince 1983, Boa-Franc, the makers of Mirage hardwood floors, has advocated a management policy based on five fundamental values: passion, innovation, integrity, commitment and re-

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At Mirage, everything is done with one eye on sustainable development because the company firmly believes there is no better way…

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and/or advanced industry principles, practices, materials and standards. Furthermore, all Mirage products are manufactured in North American facilities, which enables complete control in all facets of production, including meeting implemeted ISO-9001 standards. Absolute consistency in grade, species, finish, coloring, width and thickness guarantees that Mirage prefinished hardwood floors are uniform, easy to install and beautiful. Not only does Mirage use 100% of waste generated in the production of its floors as a way to generate power

spect. At Mirage, everything is done with one eye on sustainable development because the company firmly believes there is no better way to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This philosophy and a deep-rooted commitment to continuous improvement have enabled Mirage to drive growth through a host of responsible gestures that have made it one of the industry’s most respected brands. Mirage was taking steps to protect both the environment and public health well before that task was as urgent as it is today. Its corporate values and strategies were geared toward sustainable development from the very beginning. Mirage is concerned about the planet and its resources, and aims to contribute to community economic development. As All Mirage products are manufactured in North American facilities, a result, it is more commitwhich enables complete control in all facets of production. ted than ever to securing the best possible quality of for its plants, but over 90% of purchased volume of dolife for fellow citizens, today and tomorrow. Some examples of this stewardship in sustainabil- mestic species comes from sawmills within 500 miles ity measures include the procurement from vendors of its plant to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. who practice responsible forestry methods according These are small gestures that have a direct impact on to the Lacey Act. In complying with this law, Mirage the environment and the quality of air we breathe. Mirage is also FSC certified. With this certification makes international environmental protection a priority as part of its approach to sustainable develop- the company offers a wide range of products made with ment. The Mirage brand guarantees customers peace raw materials from certified forests managed according of mind by providing them with hardwood floors made to strict standards. These materials have been inspected from natural resources that are soundly managed and and legally harvested in non-genetically-modified forests where traditional and civil rights are respected. As a legally harvested. Compliance with the CARB 2 standard, which aims hardwood flooring specialist, Mirage made the choice to reduce air pollution caused by chemicals, is another over 20 years ago to partner with responsible wood supstep Mirage takes daily, leading to the use of VOC- and pliers. FSC Mixed Source certification simply confirms formaldehyde-free finishes when manufacturing its the company’s commitment to providing customers floors. Public health is not something to be played with; with the very best natural resources, harvested accordthis means developing products that meet the LEED v4 ing to best forestry practices. As a leader in the hardwood flooring industry, the indoor environmental quality requirements. LEED is a program developed to define and document a standard Mirage brand makes its efforts to protect nature, one that improves the environemental and economic per- of the core priorities of its approach to sustainable deformance of commercial buildings using established velopment.

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Somerset Proud to be Made in the USA n light of the importance of CARB 2 compliance focus on doing the right things for customers, embrought about nationally by “60 Minutes,” Steve ployees and the environment. The success and future Merrick, president and CEO of Somerset, said he of the company depends on conducting business wants to personally reassure customers that with integrity and doing so in a responsible manner. Somerset appreciates the support of its cusSomerset flooring is Made in the USA and its SolidPlus engineered flooring has always been CARB 2 tomers, and the confidence and trust it places in the company’s products. The pledge to continue to procompliant. Somerset has a long-standing history in the wood vide quality products while creating jobs and growing products business, experts in forest stewardship, manufacturing operations in the U.S. will continue. lumber and wood flooring. Somerset Hardwood Flooring is a nationally known brand, but what re- CARB 2 compliant tailers may not realize is that it is one of the largest Somerset’s SolidPlus engineered line of flooring has vertically integrated wood products companies in been CARB 2 compliant since its inception. Somerset manufacturing America. What and finishing this means is it processes add no manages the raw formaldehyde to materials and supany of its products. ply chain from the Its SolidPlus CARB forest to the fin2 compliance is ished flooring. based on testing by Somerset is pertwo separate indesonally involved in pendent laboratoall aspects of qualries, which found ity control. It has Somerset products some of the best to be “below quanpeople in the busitification limit”— ness making sure hence, well within products meet the standards for stringent quality CARB 2 complicontrol standards. ance. S o m e r s e t’s Made in the USA Lacey Act manufacturing compliant claim is very imSomerset products portant to the comply with The company, as is its Somerset proudly shows off its Made in the USA heritage. Lacey Act, a United track record of States law that bans creating jobs and products in the U.S., which is one of the company’s trafficking in illegal wildlife. In 2008 the Act was most important initiatives and something in which amended to include plants and plant products such as timber and paper. This landmark legislation is the it takes great pride. In recent years Somerset has made a major in- world’s first ban on trade in illegally sourced wood vestment to manufacture its SolidPlus engineered products. flooring in its new facility in Crossville, Tenn. SolidPlus engineered flooring was developed to offer cus- FSC certified tomers numerous quality and appearance benefits Somerset has earned Forest Stewardship Council over other options available in the marketplace. (FSC) Chain of Custody certification and manufacQuality advantages include the fact it is Made in the tures FSC-certified flooring by special order. FSC USA with no added formaldehyde. In independent provides third-party certification confirming that CARB 2 testing (in fact, one of the testing companies materials used are harvested from well-managed it used was one also used by “60 Minutes”), Somerset forests. In addition, Somerset’s SolidPlus Baltic birch products were found to be below quantification core vendors are FSC certified and therefore capable limit—in other words, “not measurable.” Somerset is a privately owned company, with a of providing FSC-certified core material.

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Its track record of creating jobs and products in the U.S… is one of the company's most important initiatives…

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American OEM American-made to American standards merican OEM is proud to say its products are ican OEM is fortunate to do business here. Temperate forests in the U.S. start growing back as “American-made to American standards.” Why? Because it is the company’s belief that soon as they are cut. This is not always true in tropical American manufacturers are held to a higher regions where forests are being converted by slash and level of expectations—from consumers, the govern- burn agriculture or degraded to get the higher value trees out for a quick buck. American OEM started ment, American competitors and trade associations. American OEM management sits on the boards of sounding the alarm on deforestation and illegal logging directors of the National Wood Flooring Association, overseas several years ago and worked with industry (nwfa.org), the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Associ- and environmental groups for passage of the Lacey Act ation (hpva.org) and the Hardwood Federation (hard- amendments in May 2008. Since then it has fought alongside the Lacey Coalition to preserve the amendwoodfederation.com). American OEM actively engages with these associa- ments after being challenged by the Gibson Guitar raid. tions to understand and follow best industry practices. It It also worked on the drafting committee of the ANSI National Consensus uses their labs for Standard for a Legal testing and manuTimber Due Care factures according System (ANS LTDD to their standards, 1.0 2015) that will ANSI/HPVA EF be published later 2012. The company this spring as well as advocates alongside the drafting comits peers for indusmittee. try positions within Hardwood Fedthe D.C. establisheration is working ment. It was inhard every day to sevolved in the cure more funding industry’s efforts to for Lacey Act enengage with CARB forcement. In the to develop a practimost recent Farm cal and enforceable American OEM’s facility in Tennessee, where it manufactures Bill, passed a year formaldehyde stanengineered hardwood products in a range of styles and species. ago, Lacey enforcedard. American ment was funded at OEM also supports industry engagement with the EPA to adopt a similar the $67 million level, a dramatic increase from the prestandard for the rest of the country, which it believes will vious Farm Bill. American OEM believes the Lacey Act be coming in the near future. The company believes a promotes the rule of law, discourages corruption and minimum level of compliance is a good thing for the in- protects the natural environment and its inhabitants. dustry because it instills trust that its products are safe as The European Union and Australia have followed America’s lead and adopted similar Lacey-type illegal logging well as beautiful and durable. legislation. American-made from American trees This is another statement the company rallies around American-made by Americans as no imported content is used in its flooring. Why does When consumers purchase flooring from American this matter? The American forest resource is abundant OEM, they are supporting the national economy and tax and continues to grow. There is twice as much hard- base. Why send those jobs overseas when Americans wood volume growing in America today as there was 50 need them here? If retailers or end users have a problem, who are they going to call? The company’s reputayears ago and three times as much as a century ago. Tennessee has the largest volume of hardwood tion and experience in the wood flooring industry goes growing of any state, and American OEM is proud to back over 30 years. Floor covering dealers know the call it home. There is a very low risk for illegal logging company keeps its promises. Reasonable standards and in North America because most of the forested land is laws are good for the industry whether they are around privately owned. The rule of law prevails here. Corrup- product safety, worker safety or environmental praction is the rare exception. Many people take this for tices. Consumers need to trust products, and standards granted in the U. S., but in other parts of the world cor- weed out the few who would sully the collective repuruption is a requirement for getting things done. Amer- tation, whether they are domestic or overseas.

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Mullican Educating consumers on compliance s the hardwood flooring industry deals with flooring typically does not require the use of adhesives. For consumers who seek to increase their knowlincreased scrutiny surrounding its manufacturing practices, Mullican Flooring is encour- edge of Mullican’s manufacturing process, its dealers aging its network of more than 5,000 dealers are available to provide a high-level and easy-to-underto educate consumers about the company’s commit- stand explanation. Whether it’s highlighting the differences between solid and engineered flooring or ment to legal and ethical operations. As a starting point, it is important for dealers to discussing Mullican’s commitment to employing cutbecome more familiar with the Mullican Flooring ting-edge technologies, the company’s nationwide netwebsite (mullicanflooring.com), particularly the areas work of dealers is equipped with the knowledge and that address sustainability and the environment. Since resources to help customers make well-informed buyMullican’s dealers are the direct point of contact for ing decisions. Understanding the importance of preserving reall sales transactions, they should also encourage consumers to become better acquainted with the website. sources for future generations, Mullican Flooring partHowever, it is also critical for dealers to be able to nered with the National Wood Flooring Association to identify their customers’ primary areas of concern. By develop a program designed to assure consumers that doing so, they can provide a knowledgeable response products are being produced in an environmentally and direct them to the Mullican product that will best friendly manner. The result of this collaboration, the Responsible Procurement Program, is an easy-to-idenmeet their needs. tify labeling of hardAs of late, many wood products. This consumers simply label allows consumers want to know the prodto see at a glance that ucts they will be placthe product has been ing in their homes or harvested from nonbusinesses are Califorcontroversial hardwood nia Air Resources sources and in areas Board (CARB) compliwhere timber growth ant. All products manexceeds loss. ufactured by Mullican After harvesting, Flooring are CARB 2 the lumber is separated compliant and meet by species and transthe strict standards esported to one of tablished for formaldeMullican’s four manuhyde emissions from Mullican’s Maple Dark Mocha, a 5-inch-wide engineered facturing facilities. Lowood products. (Mullioffering with a micro-bevel edge, comes from the company’s cated in Virginia, West can’s CARB 2 certifisuccessful Ponte Verda collection. Virginia, New York and cate can be viewed on the company’s headthe company’s website.) In addition, in January 2014, Mullican was ap- quarters in Johnson City, Tenn., each of these facilities proved by the Air Resources Board to be an ultra features state-of-the-art machinery, reducing both low-emitting formaldehyde resin (ULEF) manufac- labor costs and time while enhancing the overall prodturer on composite wood products destined for sale, uct. All of Mullican’s manufacturing facilities hold the supply or use in California. The ULEF certificate can Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody also be viewed on the Mullican website. Mullican Flooring has internal policies that pro- certification. This certification means all entities in vide clear guidance concerning the procurement of Mullican’s supply chain for these products, from the timber and approved methods for manufacturing its Appalachian forestlands to the distributors, also hold products. Compliance policies and certifications are FSC-certification credentials and meet the FSC standards of environmentally friendly forestry. routinely updated on the company’s website. Mullican’s prefinished and unfinished solid floorConsumers who express apprehension about the use of formaldehyde in any hardwood flooring product ing is produced in the U.S. along with a substantial should be directed to Mullican’s solid collections, amount of its engineered floors. With intense overwhich consist of a milled ¾-inch thick piece of hard- sight from Mullican’s quality control engineers, the wood. No bonding agents are used during the manu- processes at all production sites adhere to current regfacturing process, and installation of this type of ulatory and sustainability standards.

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Mullican Flooring has internal policies that provide clear guidance concerning the procurement of timber…

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M a x Wo o d s Safety standards level playing field axWoods has been supplying high-quality was laminate flooring, which undergoes a special manhardwood flooring to retail stores for just over ufacturing process. Responsible manufacturers througha year. While this short time may suggest in- out the world produce millions of square feet of CARB experience, the company’s members actually 2-certified laminates every year. bring years of knowledge to the table. Peter Spirer, CEO, 3. While engineered hardwood flooring is a composis among the most highly regarded voices in flooring as a ite wood product, its manufacturers have no incentive leading advocate for the industry for more than 50 years. to use cheap glues with high formaldehyde content. This Spirer believes that piling on to the legion of Lumber is a minor component of cost and not worth the exposure Liquidators critics is neither fair nor wise, as the more the to risk. With CARB 2 requiring third-party testing there topic is bounced around, the more the industry’s products is zero likelihood that the slight cost saving would enare tarnished. The more the fire is stoked, the harder it courage any factory to take such inordinate risk. will be to explain to consumers that if this is true, it is an isolated incident in a product sector that rightfully enjoys a sterling reputation. Lumber Liquidators has stated that the charges against it are false. In the American tradition of presuming innocence until guilt is proven, Lumber Liquidators is given the courtesy of a complete investigation by proper authorities before final judgment is passed. This keeps the consumer’s attention focused on the truth about flooring—it is a safe and high performing product whether it’s made domestically or imported. Lumber Liquidators has been a bruising competitor on its climb to becoming the sales volume leader in MaxWoods, which has been selling high-quality hardwood flooring to retail stores for wood, bamboo and laminate just over a year, promotes CARB 2 certification that protects the end user. floors. Along the way it has grabbed sales from thousands of retailers, leaving them scratching their heads 4. In the end, it is the retailer’s reputation and wondering how to stop it. It has made few friends among transparency in communicating with the public that its competitors. At the same time, it has demonstrated will earn consumer trust. There is no need to hide anyhow low operating costs, aggressive advertising and thing and no need to raise the topic unless asked. Let’s strong logistics can build sales and enhance profitability. do business sensibly. The public’s health is protected by As a retail business it’s good, perhaps great, unless it has CARB 2 and is in the hands of reliable, experienced been cheating. There’s the rub, and only time will tell. companies that play by the rules. Don’t stir up confuRetailers need a strategy to answer questions from sion or doubt in the consumer’s mind by referring to their customers about flooring, paticularly those who the Lumber Liquidators matter to keep her from shopraise the topic of Lumber Liquidators. ping with specialty retailers. Burning your competitor can come back to haunt you. MaxWoods’ take: MaxWoods believes its rivals work hard with their 1. Most of Lumber Liquidators’ products are based sources to ensure compliance with clean air standards. on its specs and not normally sold to other retailers. CARB 2 certification protects the end user and provides 2. The product focus of the “60 Minutes” episode safety standards and a level playing field.

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It is the retailer’s reputation and transparency in communicating with the public that will earn consumer trust.

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IVC ‘Creation, control and certify’ s a retailer, it’s important to know your staff can confidently answer questions about IVC US products as it relates to indoor air quality. Below are some Q&As retailers can share with their teams about IVC flooring products and a little about what IVC US is doing to ensure the message is received in stores. IVC takes public well being and environmental regulations seriously and is committed to adhering to the stringent standards set forth by the California Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency and California Composite Wood Products Regulation—all of which are recognized and considered to have the strictest guidelines across the nation and frequently are adopted as the de facto standards for the United States.

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There will be no question as to whether IVC US laminate meets compliance, because it will be showcased prominently.

in the laminate production process, another tree is planted. Q: How do I answer questions about IVC sheet vinyl or IVC LVT products? All IVC sheet vinyl and LVT products have been tested for aldehydes (including formaldehyde) per CDPH-IAQ and found to be compliant to California health guidelines for indoor emissions (Eurofins Product Testing A/S Report No. 15628B). IVC sheet vinyl and LVT products also meet the California Department of Public Health,

Q: Where are IVC US products manufactured? All IVC US laminate products and all IVC US LVT products are currently manufactured in Belgium, where it is also compliant with European emissions guidelines and standards, which are considered to be the strictest worldwide. With the opening of the IVC US LVT manufacturing plant in Dalton, soon all IVC US LVT will be produced in the United States. All IVC US sheet vinyl products are manuIVC’s merchandising displays show its CARB 2 compliance. factured in the U.S. in Dalton, where the company is compliant with U.S. emissions guidelines and standards, and have adopted and mod- Environmental Health Laboratory Branch Standard eled the process after IVC’s sheet vinyl facility in Bel- Method v1.1-2010 for residences, school and private ofgium (IVC Group headquarters). fice indoor emission quality standards (California SpecSince IVC makes its own products and does not ification 01350). These IVC sheet vinyl and LVT source them out, the company can boast about its IVC3 products are FloorScore certified for Indoor Air Quality process, whereby it knows what goes into the products to SCS-EC10.3- 2014. during “creation,” to have complete “control” of the materials going into the products and can “certify” that IVC Q: Where can I show customers in the store products meet or exceed the strictest indoor air quality information about IVC’s indoor air quality standards. to give them piece of mind? All IVC US merchandising, from displays to brochures, Q: Are all IVC laminate products CARB 2 compliant? features green information. In every brochure—whether Yes. In fact, the European acceptable norm for it be Flexitec sheet vinyl, Moduleo LVT, Balterio by IVC formaldehyde testing is 3.2 mg; IVC tested 10 times laminate or Next Level builder sheet vinyl—showcases below that standard at 0.32 mg. If retailers are an IVC where applicable the FloorScore certification icon, US laminate displaying dealer, they either have already CARB compliant icon and information about IVC’s green received or will be receiving a CARB 2-compliant story. The same is true for IVC architect folders, its adsticker to add to their IVC US Balterio laminate dis- hesive labels and product cartons. In addition, IVC also plays. This not only reinforces the team’s confidence indicates across its merchandising efforts if that product in IVC products, but also the consumers’. There will is Made in America or Made in Belgium with icons. be no question as to whether IVC US’ laminate meets Ratilers should utilize these as points of reference with compliance, because it will be showcased prominently. their teams and customers for added assurance. IVC laminate is also PEFC certified, which guarantees Learn more about IVC US products and green the preservation of forests because for every tree used process at ivcfloors.com.

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34 I March 23, 2015

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