In 2007 we began the process of removing urea formaldehyde from our core Plyboo bamboo product range, including flooring and plywood. In 2008 we achieved the world’s first FSC certification, for our moso bamboo forest resource in China. Later in 2008 we began converting our manufacturing processes to accept a formaldehyde-free, soy-based resin system, the product made from this adhesive was branded Soybond. These were all-important milestones for us, and the bamboo industry at large and helped push the healthy interiors movement forward. This year we achieved Declare® Certification for our PlybooPure (Soybond) bamboo flooring and plywood products, which still represent the cornerstone of what Smith & Fong stands for. This certification was an important step for us as it is the highest standard for sustainability and environmental health for an interior finish product. Declare Certification was developed by the International Living Future Institute™ (ILFI) as part of the Living Building Challenge (LBC), to demand complete transparency from products used in LBC projects. Our Soybond products received the highest marks in the rating system. To achieve this a product must contain no “Red List” components. “Red List,” ingredients represent the “worst in class” materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem. In order to achieve Declare Certification, no Red List ingredients can be part of a project’s materials. The Red List includes:

• Asbestos
• Cadmium
• Chlorinated Polyethylene and Chlorosulfonated Polyethlene
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
• Chloroprene (Neoprene)
• Formaldehyde (added)
• Halogenated Flame Retardants
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
• Lead (added)
• Mercury
• Petrochemical Fertilizers and Pesticides
• Phthalates
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Wood treatments containing Creosote, Arsenic or Pentachlorophenol

ILFI’s Living Building Challenge is today’s platinum standard in green building, expanding on—and exceeding—the standards established by LEED a decade ago. The ILFI organization is young, energetic and sophisticated and is the kind of organization Smith & Fong is proud to be part of.