I see the LI, LEEDuser guidance, and some posts related to MUF or MF being OK, and Phenol Formaldehyde being OK, but am trying to make sure that what I'm seeing in a submittal means the same thing, as I'm not versed in scientific terminology.

We have a "Phenolic Backed Decorative Laminate" (high pressure laminate) product for review. The only description is "Lab Designs Laminates are composed of a layer of Melamine impregnated decorative paper bonded to layers of phenolic impregnated Kraft paper. The backside of the laminate is sanded to ensure uniform bonding and consistent thickness."

There are no other mentions of UF or any other kind of formaldehyde in any of their documentation. Does this product fall under the umbrella of things that are OK?

Post a reply

Brent Ehrlich

Products and materials specialist

BuildingGreen

LEEDuser Expert

21 thumbs up

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 12:13

Hi Emily, High-pressure laminates are made using melamine formaldehyde and phenol formaldehyde ("phenolic" resin), but not urea formaldehyde. The layers are bonded together under high heat and pressure. Emissions are typically negligible from HPLs. Hope this helps.

Debra a. Lombard

Construction Administrator/ LEED AP

Bywater Woodworks, Inc.

LEEDuser Basic Member

42 thumbs up

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 14:54

Hello, we are also using a HPL, Wilsonart, and there webpg at: https://www.wilsonart.com/question-answers gives some good answers to these specific credit questions. Various VOC emissions docs for their HPL products are here: https://www.wilsonart.com/resources?category=Laminate&document_type=Sustainability&document_sub_category=All Regards, Debra

Debra a. Lombard

Construction Administrator/ LEED AP

Bywater Woodworks, Inc.

LEEDuser Basic Member

42 thumbs up

Wed, 03/06/2019 - 15:15

also see https://wilsonart.app.box.com/s/ap3n2urlsifzu09f64hdho2r0jw6a465

emily reese moody

Sustainability Director, Certifications & Compliance

Jacobs

LEEDuser Expert

469 thumbs up

Thu, 05/09/2019 - 20:47

Debra, these were very helpful, even for a totally different project than I was originally intending. Thanks for sharing!

Add new comment

To post a comment, you need to register for a LEEDuser Basic membership (free) or login to your existing profile.

You are currently logged in under an enterprise account

FAQs about IEQc4.4 :

"Phenolic Backed..." ?

You rely on LEEDuser. Can we rely on you?

Add new comment