Ask the Experts
Ed Basher, Finish Department: VOCs, or Volatile Organic Compounds, are chemicals listed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that may affect the ozone layer in the earth's atmosphere, and have been determined as harmful to the environment.
As everyone increases the focus on "Green" both at home and at work, VOCs have been highlighted as a key factor in our industry. The stains, paints, sealers, and topcoats used in wood finishes contain a certain amount of VOCs. We track, record, and report how much of each chemical we emit into the atmosphere through our exhaust stacks. Every company has a limit on VOCs set by the EPA that they are allowed to emit each year. It is a key strategy at Canyon Creek to control and reduce VOCs in our coatings.
The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer's Association (KCMA) utilizes the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) to qualify members of our industry, and evaluate low VOC formulas. The ESP is the only environmental certification program that specially focuses on kitchen and bath cabinets.
Canyon Creek was the first cabinet manufacturer to qualify for ESP certification, and continues to drive VOC emissions down through the use of new technology in coatings and application equipment.