Formica Corporation Announces New Sustainability Goals, Targets Net Carbon Neutrality by 2030

Annual Sustainability Position Paper to detail Formica Corporation’s progress

It has been conclusively shown that homebuyers are increasingly looking for green and energy efficient homes, not just for their own benefits but as members of a global community. Homes built with sustainable non-toxic building materials protects the environment and natural resources, as well as protecting the interior air quality of homes.  Green homes are cheaper and better to live in, full stop. 

At a time when 98 % of designers say their clients are placing a greater importance on environmentally-friendly countertops, Formica® Brand surfaces are helping homeowners and buyers meet those goals. The company recently announced a suite of new sustainability initiatives, including a goal to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030.

“Consumers are seeking surfacing options that are better for the planet, and we are laying out a clear and aggressive action plan to meet their expectations,” said Mitch Quint, president of Formica Corporation North America. “We look forward to providing updates on our progress as we continue to explore opportunities to increase the efficiency of our processes.”

While Formica Corporation has always made sustainable practices a priority, the company’s 2019 acquisition by Netherlands-based Broadview Holdings further accelerate that progress. 

Broadview’s commitment to sustainability makes them a leader in the decorative materials market and has provided the tools and technology to expedite Formica Corporation’s path toward carbon neutrality.
As part of their goal to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2030, Formica Corporation aims for a halfway benchmark goal of a 25% reduction of CO2 emissions and 10% reduction in primary energy demand by 2026. In addition, the company will pursue a 5% reduction in its water consumtion footprint over the next five years.

Alongside its goal to achieve net carbon neutrality, Formica Corporation has pledged to publish its environmental impact data every year, alongside its targets and initiatives for the coming year. 

Formica Canada sustainability measures

In Canada, Formica has been implementing many sustainability initiatives into their transportation, production, natural gas use, hardware procurement, recycling and materials use.

Transportation

Formica has worked to reduce consumption of packaging materials, pallets and gasoline, as well as wear on transport trucks. Additionally, any laminate sheets that cannot be sold due to imperfections are now being repurposed for pallet wrapping or cut into smaller sizes and resold whenever possible.
Sherbrooke University partnership

Formica Canada is working with the Sherbrooke University in Quebec on initiatives to reduce the amount of natural gas consumed in the plant's ovens by burning laminates with too many imperfections and using gas from wastewater cleaning.

Computers and other technical equipment

Formica Canada buys 98 % of its computer hardware from local suppliers, they recycle used equipment through specialized partners and send used ink cartridges to the Mira Foundation.

Materials

Formica Canada recycles most of its water to support its plant’s production. Over 15 % of the kraft paper the company uses is recycled paper entirely derived from the regional market. The raw materials it uses – melamine and phenolic resin – are also sourced 100 % in Quebec.

Green team

In an effort to continually improve their practices and mobilize their employees, Formica has also created what they call the ‘Green Team’, which aims to help find opportunities for sustainability improvement initiatives across the entire business, from field sales to their offices.

“We are very proud of Formica Corporation’s commitment and of all the measures we’ve implemented over the past few years at our Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu plant. We’ll continue to review our practices to constantly improve for the benefit of the environment,” says Christelle Locat-Rainville, Marketing Director at Formica Canada.

About Formica Corporation

Founded in 1913, Formica Corporation, part of the Formica Group of companies, is a leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of innovative surfacing products for commercial and residential applications. See here for more information about Formica Corporation, its products, special programs and promotions.