Environmental Stewardship Program

The Kitchen Cabinetry Manufacturers Association (KCMA) created the Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP) to encourage policies and practices within our industry that benefit the environment and society.

Manufacturers must demonstrate compliance with stringent criteria to be awarded ESP certification. These criteria include the following:

• 75% of particleboard, plywood, and MDF used in the cabinets must be certified to meet lowest formaldehyde emission standards.
• 75% of particleboard and MDF used in the cabinets must contain 100% recycled or recovered fiber content.
• Hardwoods must be certified through an independent and credible sustainable forestry program.
• A documented energy conservation program must be in place.
• A written Environmental Management System must be available and enforced.
• An active recycling program for process wastes must be in place.
• All federal, state, and local environmental requirements must be observed.
• Community involvement and leadership through service or charitable organizations must be demonstrated.