ICM PACKAGING: GUIDELINES TO COMPLIANCE
CARB COMPLIANCE UPDATE - Packaging exemption
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) , as of 3/16/09, has revised it's interpretation of legislation enacted January 1, 2009, regarging formaldehyde emissions in composite wood products. "CARB staff interprets the ATCM as not applying to wood packaging. These products are not subject to any of the requirements of the ATCM."
Materials used in the packaging industry will meet these regulations; however, there will not be the burden of paper documentation as is required for home building, cabinets and furniture.
If you are interested in a brief history of the CARB LEGISLATION
On April 26, 2007, the California Air Resource Board (CARB), a department of the California Environmental Protection Agency, approved an airborne toxic control measure (ATCM) to reduce formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products including hardwood plywood, particleboard, medium and thin medium density fiberboard, and finished products made with composite wood products. Composite wood products have historically been manufactured using urea formaldehyde resins as a binding agent. The ATCM is contained in title 17, California Code of Regulations, sections 93120 93120.12. The ATCM applies to panels and finished goods that are sold, offered for sale, supplied, used, or manufactured for sale in California. These new limits will be implemented in two phases beginning January 1, 2009. When the final limits become effective in 2012, the regulation will establish the highest production standard in the world for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood products.
Beginning January first 2009 composite wood products (particleboard, MDF, and hardwood plywood), sold in the state of California or used to make finished goods offered for sale in the state are affected by new state requirements. All products containing composite wood products must comply with the new regulation.
Phase 1 emission limits take effect on January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009, whereas the more stringent Phase 2 limits take effect beginning January 1, 2010 for some products and later for others.
