We are FSC CertifiedModuForm, Inc. is recognized by the FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, for our excellence in standards for guiding forest management toward sustainable outcomes. FSC sets forth principles, criteria, and standards that span economic, social, and environmental concerns. Be sure to ask about FSC options for your next furniture purchase.We believe that being environmentally responsible means being an active participant to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Some of the commonly asked questions that we receive from our customers is about our environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Here are a few examples of what our customers are asking.Leaders in Toxic Free TechnologiesModuForm, Inc. has been a pioneer in preserving the balance between technology and a healthy, thriving environment. In fact, we’ve received many awards for our work in reducing emissions of solvents and volatile organic compounds also know as VOC's.One of the many things that we have brought to our company was our unique Ulltra Violet Cured Resin Finishing system also known as our "UV FInish". It is a perfect example of our dedication to protecting the environment because it is a standard process on all of our products. Here are a few of the main reasons why our finishing system is so environmentally friendly.
Our Flat Line Finishing System
Most finishing systems use urethanes, varnishes, and lacquers that require as much as 80% to 90% solvents. All of these chemicals escape into the environment becoming harmful. Our finishing material, on the other hand, is 100% liquid resin. We pride ourselves in using zero solvents so that we omit absolutely no toxins into our atmosphere.
The UV DifferenceConventional wood finishes are air dried, so approximately 10-12% of the finish stays on the wood, while 88% evaporates into the atmosphere. But our UV Finish is dried by an ultra violet light so there is no evaporation! Our finishing system not only makes beautiful furniture, but they also make for a beautiful environment.
Commonly Asked Questions
Where is your wood harvested from?Our wood is northern grown hardwoods. We pride ourselves in ONLY purchasing wood made in the United States. We purchase absolutely none of our wood from an out of country source or supplier. We guarantee it! We are a 100% USA made and operated company.
After harvesting, are there any methods of re-establishing the forests?
Our sheet goods come from certified renewable forests. Our raw lumber is from sustainable forests.
Is the finished wood product recyclable?
At this time there is no source for recycling wood that has been treated with any finish. We do make every effort to support the recycling of our unfinished wood scraps, which we in turn market to our local community. Most of our wood waste and wood sawdust is recycled into wood pellets for pellet burning stoves.
What stains or other chemicals are used for the wood processing?
For the majority of casegoods (and other products) the individual faces of the components are finished on ModuForm's flatline finishing system. This system applies a resin that is 100% solid and is cured utilizing UV energy. This application does not emit any volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) that other finishes such as lacquers and varnishes do (lacquers and varnishes can be between 10-40% solid, the rest is emitted to the environment). A number of years ago ModuForm changed the primary stain colors to a water base formula. This change has had a dramatic effect on reducing the amount of VOCs and HAPs ModuForm emits.
What other environmental measures does ModuForm incorporate?
Continuous work over the years on a Toxic Use Reduction Plan has helped ModuForm reduce the amount of VOCs and HAPs emitted. This has been done by some of the following ways just to name a few.
Product reformulation - changing to water based stains and contact adhesive
Product modification - the elimination of topcoat on the vinyl products was one of the greatest reduction areas
The exclusion of the topcoat material and a drastic reduction in the use of acetone
Improved operations and maintenance of daily processes
ModuForm utilizes reusable blankets for shipping casegoods unless specifically asked to box the individual pieces.
When boxing product for shipment, ModuForm incorporates cardboard containers manufactured from recycled material. All corrugated cardboard used has a range of 5-20% recycled material. Cardboard is also reused or recycled.
In some cases, ModuForm utilizes a stretch wrap film to further protect furniture during shipping. This film is a recyclable linear low density polyethylene. It is clear and odorless.
To help reduce the energy consumption at ModuForm, motion sensor lights are utilized in the warehouse and in all kitchens and restrooms to shut the lights off when certain areas are not in use.
There are a number of machines throughout the factory that incorporate state of the art computerized programming aiding in calculating the highest yield of components from wood planks thus eliminating unnecessary waste.
