GreenTips

Modular and kitset kitchen are generally produced from highly efficient fabrication companies that minimise waste and off cuts.

Some overseas kitchen companies are now manufacturing kitchens from formaldehyde free composite boards and rapidly renewable materials such as agricultural straw waste.

When sourcing joinery in NZ, ensure that you specify low formaldehyde MDF, chipboard or plywood bonded with phenol formaldehyde which reduces emmissions during its service life. Veneers should be adhered with water based low VOC adhesives.

Always ensure that all timber specified is FSC or PEFC certified. New Zealand native timbers should always be selected from sources which are covered by MAF permits.

Many timber veneer manufactures now supply reconstituted and dyed veneers to mimic tropical hardwoods that cannot be sourced sustainably.

A number of joinery companies will manufacture built-in joinery from salvaged / recycled timber.

Mechanical assembly and fixing systems are preferable to glued systems as they facilitate the disassembly of joinery units on demolition.

High pressure laminates can now be sourced from manufacturers that have made significant efforts to minimise the environmental impact of their products.

The durability of commercial and household fixtures and hardware should be examined as many products are only designed to withstand a small number of years use which cost more in the long run when considering maintenance, replacement and landfill costs.

A small number of manufacturers are beginning to address the issue of what happens to their products at the end of its useful life and make sure their products are recyclable or biodegradable. Some offer take-back schemes where they reuse many of the components.

Most hardware products are imported into New Zealand, some from countries that have far less stringent environmental regulations.

Hardware manufactured from composite metals should be avoided as the metals from which they are manufactured will often be difficult to separate and recycle.

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