Best References: Furniture / Wood Finishing

The furniture and fixtures industry (SIC - 25) sector outlines furniture manufacturing processes such as assembly, finishing, and cleanup. The sector also provides pollution prevention case studies highlighting waste reduction techniques such as coating substitution, spray equipment replacement, and employee training.
Date Last Updated: 11/27/2007

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Case Studies |

Full Title: 1998 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence - Mohawk Flush Doors Inc.
URL: /06/05333.htm
Date: 1998
Full Work Author: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Abstract: Mohawk Flush Doors Inc., founded in 1950, produces a wide variety of fully-machined and pre-finished doors in the U.S. market. They replaced their spray coating equipment with precision roll coaters, infrared drying ovens, water-based stains and sealers, and ultraviolet cured top coats. Cost savings and contact information are included.

Section Title: Thomson Crown Wood Products, Inc.
Full Title: Case Studies - A compilation of successful waste reduction projects implemented by NC businesses
URL: /01/0056610.pdf
Length: 3 pages
Date: December 1995
Full Work Author: NC Office of Waste Reduction
Abstract: This manufacturer of wood TV and stereo cabinets used employee teams to identify waste reduction solutions. The improvements included: 1) a new glue applicator to reduce rejects from glue defects, 2) recycling of water-based printing waste using a colloidal separator, 3) reusing cutout panels, 4) HVLP spray guns, and 5) switching some products from spray to roll coating.

Full Title: Case Studies: Low - VOC/HAP Wood Furniture Coatings
URL: /06/05845.pdf
Length: 150 pages
Date: May 2000
Full Work Author: U.S. EPA
Section Author: Marshall, Amy M.; Fields, Jennifer L.
Abstract: A collection of 25 case studies of wood furniture manufacturers that converted from traditional, solvent-based finishes to waterborne, UV-cured, high solids, or powder coating finishes. Developed by the U.S. EPA and Midwest Research Institute to share their experiences and successes with the industry. Includes information on regulations and types of low VOC/HAP coatings.

Full Title: Case Study - MnTAP Source - Reuse of Wood Finishing Overspray
URL: /05/04263.htm
Date: January 1993
Full Work Author: Minnesota Technical Assistance Program
Abstract: Case Study. Medallion Kitchens is a leading woodworking company manufacturing a variety of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities at a daily rate of approximately 900 cabinets.

Section Title: Geiger Brickel Benefits - Office Furniture Producer Geiger Brickel Incorporates UV-Curable and Waterborne Coatings in Two of Its Plants
Full Title: FDM - Finishing Forum
URL: /07/06607.pdf
Length: 5 pages
Date: 03/00
Full Work Author: US EPA
Abstract: Outlines the benefits of using UV curable and waterborne coatings in office furniture manufacturing facilities. One major benefit was the reduction of VOCs and HAPs. The facility recognized a 30% VOC reduction, while increasing production by 40%. The facility is now able to recycle overspray and has reached an 80% transfer efficiency rate.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Equipment Modification to Reduce Solvent Use
URL: /01/00294.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: This wood finisher implemented the solvent cans with spring-loaded plungers for dispensing solvent onto cloth wipes. Includes cost saving and VOC reduction info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Equipment Modification to Reduce Solvent Use
URL: /01/00295.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: This cabinet maker, Mastercraft, saved money and reduced solid waste by extending the life of sanding belts using a steam cleaner.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Product Substitution to Low or No-HAPs Coatings/Coating Solvents
URL: /01/00289.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Design Fabricators, a wood fixtures manufacturer, replaced solvent-based laquers with zero or low-HAP coatings.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to a More Efficient Paint Dispensing System and Purchase Raw Materials in Bulk
URL: /01/00292.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Phelps-Tointon MillWork installed paint drum covers with an integral pump to reduce paint transfer waste and save labor. Includes labor savings info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to High-Solids Varnishes
URL: /01/00288.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Wood Masters, a cabinet manufacturer, replaced solvent-based paints with low VOC paint. Includes labor saving and HAP reduction info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to HVLP Spray Gun Equipment for Stains and Sealers
URL: /01/00286.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: This bedroom furniture manufacturer installed HVLP spray guns. Includes cost savings and payback info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to More Efficient Paint Spray Guns
URL: /01/00285.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Phelps-Tointon MillWork installed air-assisted airless spray guns to reduce laquer thinner usage.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to Water-Based and Hot-Melt Adhesives
URL: /01/00291.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Shafer Commercial Seating replaced VOC containing adhesives with water-based adhesives and VOC-free (100% solids) hot melt glue. Includes cost savings info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Switch to Waterborne Topcoat Lacquers
URL: /01/00287.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Shafer Commercial Seating replaced solvent-based laquers with water-based coatings and UV dryers. Includes payback (based on increased throughput) and contact info.

Full Title: Wood Products & Furniture: Water-Based Cleaner for Paint Equipment
URL: /01/00290.htm
Length: 1 page
Date: 1996
Full Work Author: CO Department of Public Health and Environment
Abstract: Mastercraft, a cabinet manufacturer, implemented a water-based cleaner to clean its painting equipment to reduce VOC emissions. Includes plant contact info.

Fact Sheets |

Full Title: Incentives and Techniques for Pollution Prevention in Furniture Coating Operations - Waste Reduction Fact Sheet
URL: /01/00017.htm
Length: 10 pages
Date: 1994
Full Work Author: Williams, David B.
Abstract: Provides information on pollution prevention incentives and techniques for furniture coating operations to help them comply with the furniture MACT regulation. The P2 techniques are categorized as: 1) operation and maintenance, 2) production process modifications, and 3) recovery.

Articles and Reports |

Full Title: Economic Analysis: Converting from Petroleum-Based to Ultraviolet-Light Cured Coating System for Medium-Size Wood Products Manufacturers
URL: /03/02122.pdf
Length: 24 page
Date: 1994
Full Work Author: Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Research Center
Abstract: This report evaluates the feasibility of a mid-sized manufacturer of wood doors and windows converting from the petroleum-based coatings to ultraviolet (UV) cured lacquers. Many scenarios and types of cost assessment were performed. Even in the worst-case scenario, payback for UV equipment was less than 2 years.

Full Title: Evaluation of Volatile Organic Emissions Data for Nonprocess Solvent Use in 15 Commercial and Industrial Business Categories
URL: /21/20228.pdf
Date: February 1994
Full Work Author: Northeim, Coleen M. et al.
Abstract: The primary purpose of this project is to gather and evaluate existing data on nonprocess solvents.

Full Title: Waste Minimization Practices at Two CCA Wood-Treatment Plants
URL: /18/17430.pdf
Length: 62 pages
Date: 8/93
Full Work Author: Chen, Abraham S. C.; Olfenbuttel, Robert F.
Abstract: Two chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood-treatment plants were assessed for their waste minimization practices.

Manuals |

Full Title: Wood Furniture Industry Waste Reduction Opportunities
URL: /01/00418.pdf
Length: 121 pages
Date: November 1994
Full Work Author: Dolan-Friss Associates; Preventive Environmental Management; Radian Corporation
Abstract: This workbook is a compilation of waste reduction ideas that can reduce costs and improve workplace safety.

Full Title: Wood Furniture: The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and Pollution Prevention Opportunties
URL: /03/02112.pdf
Length: 133 pages
Date: September 1997
Full Work Author: Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association and The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management
Abstract: This manual is a resource for wood furniture manufacturers and technical assistance providers. The material is divided into four areas: 1) background information on emissions from wood furniture manufacturers which identifies emission sources and common solvent uses; 2) guidance on developing a facility P2 program; 3) specific case studies and opportunities for pollution prevention in operations such as finishing, cleaning, gluing, and housekeeping; and 4) a wrap-up highlighting benefits related to cost savings, increased efficiency, and reduced regulatory burden.

Sector Notebook |

Full Title: EPA Office of Compliance Sector Notebook Project - Profile of the Wood Furniture and Fixtures Industry
URL: /01/00509.pdf
Length: 125 pages
Date: September 1995
Full Work Author: US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance
Abstract: This report profiles the wood furniture and fixtures industry, with descriptions of industrial processes and EPA Toxic Release Inventory data. It also discusses pollution prevention opportunities, federal regulations, and compliance and enforcement initiatives.

Web sites |

Full Title: The Canadian Pollution Prevention Information Clearinghouse
URL: http://www.ec.gc.ca/cppic/en/search.cfm?txtSearchString=furniture
Full Work Author: The National Office of Pollution Prevention, Canada
Abstract: This site contains a searchable database of pollution prevention information. From the main page, choose the furniture subsection and then search for specific areas of concern. Most documents are available on-line.

Full Title: Wood Products Value-added Manufacturing and Efficiency Guide - Efficiency, Waste Reduction, and Regulations, 2nd Ed.
URL: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/ag/sus/wood/
Length: 216 pages
Date: May 1998
Full Work Author: Bailey, Lauranne J.; Liebl, David S.; and Wengert, Eugene M.
Abstract: This comprehensive guide includes developing a waste reduction plan, saw milling, drying and storage, coating, storing and shipping wood products, case studies, vendors, resources, regulations, checklists, and more. The guide is broken into sections to allow ease of downloading and printing.

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Content provided by N.C. Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance and Waste Reduction Resource Center through a grant from the EPA.