Introduction
Sustainable products are increasingly becoming a leading choice of building and construction materials. Today’s largely eco-conscious generation attaches a lot of significance on the impact a product would have on the environment.
The other factors considered include; the public health implications, socio-economic impact as well as the aesthetic value offered by any given product (Sustainable Products Corporation, 2001).
Manufacturer
Smith and Fong Company is an internationally acclaimed manufacturer of innovative and sustainable interior flooring materials. This American company has been in existence since the 1980’s and in 1997 Smith and Fong Company got fully incorporated as a sustainable bamboo flooring product manufacturer. Smith and Fong Company is a market leader in the sustainable flooring products’ market.
The company sources its raw materials, predominantly bamboo, from China. Smith and Fong Company was the first global awardee of the coveted FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification. In addition, the company boasts of other certifications such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credit in sustainability (Dunn, 2008).
Composition
Among its flagship green products is Plyboo®. This is a plywood and flooring material made from sustainably grown bamboo. This is an immensely popular flooring product in the green building industry. Plyboo® is an award winning eco-friendly interior flooring product (Renewable Energy News, 2009).
It is a product feted for its high quality standards, relatively low costs and unique design concept. Plyboo® is compliant with a number of international recognized building certification such as the American LEED.
Physical properties
Plyboo® is accredited as a revolutionary non-wood indoor flooring alternative. It is composed of thin bamboo veneers bonded under high pressure to produce standard, high grade plywood. Smith and Fong’s products are free from toxic adhesive compounds. Besides, they undergo strict quality testing.
Plyboo® range of flooring products includes a catalogue of 28 distinct varieties of bamboo plywood and floorings.
These offer consumers a wide range of options in terms of color shades, textures, shapes and applications. The durability and safety of these products is guaranteed by some of the world’s stringent quality standards. Plyboo® has several applications such as construction of conventional indoor cabinets.
Application options
The bamboo plywood is robust and can easily be worked on using a variety of the available woodwork tools. It can be crafted to give an exotic finish to the interior décor in kitchens and bathrooms.
Another application of Plyboo® is in the making pieces of designer indoor furniture which serves to accentuate the ambience of any room.
It can also be used in designing beautiful staircases that are one of a kind. In all of these applications, Plyboo® provides a stronger, durable and green alternative to conventional wood products (Smith & Fong, 2011).
The use of bamboo plywood advances the cause of environmental conservation, as bamboo is a fastest growing alternative to wood. These products have a minimal impact on global warming and other forms of pollution since bamboo is 100% recyclable.
Plyboo® is also a sustainable product that is free from formaldehyde-based adhesives. These adhesives are commonly used in the manufacture of conventional plywood products. It has zero emission levels, and a high air quality profile which is in accordance with the LEED standards.
Analysis
Bamboo is an exceptionally good insulator with a natural glossy finish (Smith & Fong, 2011). Unlike floor carpets that accumulate dust, and other particles, bamboo does not gather particulate matter on its surface. This makes it an ideal hypo-allergenic substitute for floors, in homes and places such as hospitals, laboratories, and in installations within the hospitality industry.
Reference List
Dunn C. (2008), Bamboo Wood Flooring from Smith & Fong Earns FSC Certification. Web.
Renewable Energy News (2009), Top Green Building Products of 2009. Web.
Smith & Fong (2011), Smith & Fong Plyboo®: Product Applications. Web.
Sustainable Products Corporation (2001), Sustainable Products Defined and Identified. Web.