The Environmental Stewardship Program, administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, is designed to encourage and recognize manufacturers that employ the use of policies and practices that benefit the environment and the well-being of society. Merillat is proud to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through this program's certification.

Certification is awarded based on compliance in five categories, containing 18 different criteria.

Air Quality:

• Particleboard purchased meets the formaldehyde emission level of the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification: 75% or greater^1,3
• MDF purchased meets the formaldehyde emission level of the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification: 75% or greater^2,3
• Plywood purchased meets PS-13 for Construction and Industrial panels or ANSI/ HPVA HP-13 for formaldehyde emissions: 75% or greater
• 75% of finished products are finished domestically and finishes used emit no greater HAPS than allowed by local plant operating permits

Resource Management – Product:

• Particleboard purchased meets the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification for recycled/recovered fiber content: 75% or greater
• MDF purchased meets the CPA EPPS CPA 2-06 Specification for recycled/recovered fiber content: 75% or greater
• A written training plan is utilized on an annual basis to educate hardwood suppliers of our purchasing preference for certified hardwood lumber
• Hardwoods purchased are certified through a recognized sustainable forestry program

Resource Management – Process:

• An active recycling program is in place for process wastes in at least two of the following product categories: Cardboard, Paper, Plastic, Wood, Solvents
• A program is in place for tracking and reducing process wastes with documented goals and reports
• Utilization of internal or external process by-products to generate alternate energy services, e.g. electricity, steam, or other
• Documented energy conservation program is established

Environmental Stewardship:

• A firm commitment to environmental quality as evidenced by a written policy statement
• An Environmental Management System (EMS) in place, certified by a third party.
• Environmental practices and policies of its key vendors and contractors are reviewed on a regular basis
• A documented program is in place which promotes the use of renewable/recycled materials or products

Community Relations:

• Demonstrates community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations
• There are no major non-compliance citations from any Federal, state or local environmental regulatory agency in the previous 12 months

1. ¹ Remaining 25% must meet ANSI A208.1
2. ² Remaining 25% must meet ANSI A208.2
3. ³ Requires 3rd party certification