It’s the policy of Conestoga Wood Specialties to make products in a safe workplace, manage natural resources wisely, and continually improve their environmental performance. Therefore, Conestoga is committed to compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations. Their environmental initiatives encompass nearly every segment of their business and are vital components of their sustainable company.

Processes
  • CWS strives to reduce material waste by continually evaluating their processes to improve yield.
  • They explore new ways to reduce energy consumption through process improvements and equipment upgrades.
  • The sawdust created from manufacturing processes gets a second useful life as fuel for agriculture.
  • CWS developed a process to recycle some of their cleanup solvents in-house, effectively reducing waste and emissions.
  • As part of their aggressive recycling program, the facilities recycled approximately 175 tons of paper and cardboard, 98 tons of metal, and 420 gallons of solvent in 2019.
Products
  • All composite wood materials meet the TSCA Title VI regulations for formaldehyde emissions.
  • All of the raw MDF panels purchased in 2019 were ECC-411 sustainability standard certified by the Composite Panel Association.
  • Conestoga is committed to the social and environmental benefits of sustainable forestry. This commitment is reviewed with lumber suppliers on an annual basis.
  • CWS works closely with adhesive suppliers to source low-VOC glues as well as low or no added urea-formaldehyde glues.
Certification

Conestoga was the first associate member of the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturer’s Association (KCMA) to receive the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) certification in 2008, and has continually achieved certification each year since. This program certifies their sustainability practices and procedures related to air quality, product resource management, process resource management, community relations, and environmental stewardship.

CWS says, “Our roots are deep . . . our Pennsylvania Dutch heritage laid a solid foundation for good stewardship in the use of our natural resources. That makes it natural for us to embrace sound environmental practices.  It’s not new to us, it’s who we are!”