Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Launches Environmental Stewardship Program.

New Certification Program Encourages Environmentally Sound Policies and Practices

RESTON, Va. -- The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), the national trade association that serves kitchen, bath and other residential cabinet manufacturers and suppliers, recently introduced the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP). The goal of the KCMA is to provide growth opportunities for the cabinet industry, while being mindful of regulatory issues that concern the environment. Building on this experience, ESP certification allows cabinet manufacturers and industry suppliers to voluntarily demonstrate their commitment to sound environmental management and practices.

The KCMA ESP was designed to prompt cabinetmakers to implement practices that benefit both the environment and society. The program is administered similar to the existing ANSI/KCMA A161.1 performance standard for cabinets, and any manufacturer of pre-finished, factory-engineered cabinets may participate. Certification is awarded on an annual basis and is based on compliance in five categories. These categories contain 18 different criteria for a total of 105 possible points. A minimum of 80 points is required for ESP certification. The five categories include:

* Air quality;

* Product resource management;

* Process resource management;

* Environmental stewardship; and

* Community relations.

"The KCMA is proud to take a leadership role in protecting our environment and encouraging our industry to manage its resources," says Dick Titus, executive vice president, KCMA. "As the only national trade association that exclusively represents cabinet manufacturers, decorative laminate product fabricators and industry suppliers, KCMA maintains a strong history and reputation of advocacy and leadership. Our new ESP program is one more value-added effort that will enhance the quality and benefits we bring to the industry and society."

To date, 25 cabinet companies and/or brands have been certified under the ESP program. An additional nine companies are currently under review. A complete list of these companies and brands is available on the Visitors and Consumers section of the KCMA Web site at www.kcma.org.

"We believe ESP is a step above other industry environmental programs because our guidelines reach beyond raw material sourcing and management to set standards for manufacturing and product processes in regards to air quality and formaldehyde use," adds Titus.

Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with stringent criteria to be awarded ESP certification, including:

* 75% of particleboard, plywood and MDF must be certified to meet the lowest formaldehyde emission standards;

* 75% of particleboard and MDF used must contain 100% recycled or recovered fiber content;

* Hardwoods must be certified through an independent and credible forestry program;

* A documented energy conservation program must be in place;

* A written Environmental Management System must be available and enforced;

* A recycling program for process wastes must be in place;

* All federal, state and local environmental requirements must be observed; and

* Community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations must be part of the company's culture.

About KCMA

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, headquartered in Reston, VA, is the principal trade association in the United States for manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, decorative laminate products and suppliers to the industry. The KCMA is committed to excellence in manufacturing through continued quality, advocacy and leadership. For more information on the association, visit its Web site at www.kcma.org.