Cheaper than solid hardwood and plywood, particleboard (PB) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) changed the post-World War II home building industry. In the 21st century, there are even more options. PB and MDF — traditionally made from wood residues (from solid wood and plywood processing) and bound with formaldehyde, a probable carcinogen — have evolved to include end products that are more resource-efficient and healthier.
The nonprofit group Green Seal, which identifies and promotes products and services that minimize toxic pollution and waste, compiled a list of its recommended alternative and recycled-material PB and MDF products. The full report, including performance standards and links, can be viewed at www.greenseal.org/cgrs/CGR_PB&MDF.pdf.
Recommended Particleboard and Fiberboard Products
Manufacturer (Brand) |
Product Description |
Fiber Source |
Renewable/Sustainably Harvested |
Product Availability |
Agricultural Waste Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free | ||||
Isobord(Isobord, StorageBord, ShelfBord and IsoUndelay) |
Strawboard |
Wheat straw |
Annually renewable |
Home Depot, Lowe's, Isobord's global sales office |
PrimeBoard |
Strawboard |
Wheat straw |
Annually renewable |
Multiple distributors |
Pacific Northwest Fiber
(PacificBoard) |
Strawboard |
Bluegrass straw |
Annually renewable |
Available for immediate
shipment |
Acadia (DuraCane) |
Particleboard |
Bagasse (residue from sugar cane processing) |
Annually renewable |
Available directly from company |
Hawaiian DuraGreen |
Particleboard |
Bagasse |
Annually renewable |
Panel Source International is the exclusive sales agent |
Post-Consumer Waste Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free |
Homasote |
Fiberboard |
100% post-consumer recycled newsprint |
Post-consumer newsprint supply exceeds current demand |
Most lumber and home center locations; network of dealers |
Recovered Wood Fiber, Formaldehyde-Free |
SierraPine (Medex, Medite II and Medite-FR) |
Medium-density fiberboard |
100% recovered and pre-consumer recycled wood fiber |
N.A. |
Multiple distributors |
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