PORTLAND, OR – Columbia Forest Products, in conjunction with Hercules Inc. and Dr. Kaichang Li of Oregon State University, received a Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for the creation and commercialization of its PureBond formaldehyde-free adhesive system for decorative plywood. PureBond, which replaced traditional urea formaldehyde-based adhesives used in the manufacture of hardwood plywood, won in the category of “Greener Synthetic Pathways.” A total of five awards are given annually.

Dr. Li invented the PureBond formula to mimic the protein that marine mussels secrete to attach themselves to rocks and other hard surfaces. Hercules Inc. added a proprietary resin that gives plywood, and composites made with it, better strength and water resistance.