Finishing Alternatives
New England Woodcraft has long been recognized for our development of non-solvent based finishing processes. We have received awards and recognition from both the State of Vermont and the EPA for our committed to reducing pollutants by reducing VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emissions from our finishing processes. We have accomplished this by eliminating solvent base finishes and investing in state-of-the-art finishing equipment. Our current water base and UV (Ultraviolet) finishes emit only 4.75 tons of V.O.C.’s a year as compared to 83.75 tons if we were using nitrocellulose lacquers.
The finishes we use in the manufacturing of our furnishings are chosen not only for quality and wear resistance but for compliance to environmental standards and the health and safety of our employees. We use both a UV cured finish and a New Coat water base finish. Our UV cured finish consists of 100% solids, emits zero V.O.C.’s, and has virtually no waste by-product. Our New Coat water base finish contains only 0.89 pounds of VOC’s per gallon, and produces a minimal amount of non-hazardous waste. (Federal and state regulations specify that V.O.C. emissions must be lower than 5.6 pounds per gallon.)
New England Woodcraft continues to research new materials and practices that help reduce pollutants and protect our natural resources. We are committed to remain a leader in the industry with regard to environmental issues.
EPA CASE STUDY:
POLLUTION PREVENTION
SUCCESS STORY
New England Woodcraft, Inc. manufactures household and institutional furniture at its factory in Forestdale, Vermont. The plant determined that it was emitting significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on the order of 6 to 7 pounds per gallon of finish. (VOCs can result in the formulation of smog in reaction to ozone.) The nitrocellulose coatings being used contained toxic and carcinogenic ingredients such as formaldehyde. Significant amounts of solid and hazardous waste were generated at the plant as well. Nitrocellulose coatings have been used by many furniture manufacturers to produce high quality coatings. However, New England Woodcraft sought to reduce worker exposure to toxics and reduce the emissions and hazardous waste generated from the use of nitrocellulose coatings.
Significant cost reductions were realized in waste management, waste disposal, and taxes associated with hazardous waste generation. As a result of a 90 percent decrease in hazardous waste generation, the facility's regulatory status changed from a large quantity generator to a small quantity generator. Hence, the facility is conditionally exempt from some reporting and regulatory requirements under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
Last Updated: Thursday, April 08, 2010