Choosing Greener Particleboard and Fiberboard

Cheaper than solid hardwood and plywood, particleboard (PB) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) changed the post-World War II home building industry. In the 21st century, there are even more options. PB and MDF — traditionally made from wood residues (from solid wood and plywood processing) and bound with formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen — have evolved to include end products that are more resource-efficient and healthier.

The nonprofit group Green Seal, which identifies and promotes products and services that minimize toxic pollution and waste, compiled a list of its recommended alternative and recycled-material PB and MDF products. The full report, including performance standards and links, can be viewed at www.greenseal.org/cgrs/CGR_PB&MDF.pdf.

Recommended Particleboard and Fiberboard Products Manufacturer (Brand) Product Description Fiber Source Renewable/Sustainably Harvested Product Availability Agricultural Waste Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free Isobord(Isobord, StorageBord, ShelfBord and IsoUndelay) Strawboard Wheat straw Annually renewable Home Depot, Lowe's, Isobord's global sales office PrimeBoard Strawboard Wheat straw Annually renewable Multiple distributors Pacific Northwest Fiber (PacificBoard) Strawboard Bluegrass straw Annually renewable Available for immediate shipment Acadia (DuraCane) Particleboard Bagasse (residue from sugar cane processing) Annually renewable Available directly from company Hawaiian DuraGreen Particleboard Bagasse Annually renewable Panel Source International is the exclusive sales agent Post-Consumer Waste Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free Homasote Fiberboard 100% post-consumer recycled newsprint Post-consumer newsprint supply exceeds current demand Most lumber and home center locations; network of dealers Recovered Wood Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free SierraPine (Medex, Medite II and Medite-FR) Medium-density fiberboard 100% recovered and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber N.A. Multiple distributors