NALFA Calls For High Quality Energy Standards

Washington, D.C., May 18, 2007--As the laminate flooring industry continues to expand, the need for quality metrics and recognition through credible certification for its products grows more critical. Ten years strong, the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) has been a pioneer in the industry, setting and enforcing quality and performance standards for all laminate flooring. Today, NALFA is urging manufactures, consumers and retailers to adhere to these set industry standards in a joint effort to promote the highest quality products available.

“We are very passionate about promoting standards for what laminate
flooring is and what can reasonably be expected of its performance,” says
Bill Dearing, president of NALFA. “Quality measures are important to
aide both customers and retailers in distinguishing between the vast
number of products.”

NALFA is the source for manufacturers, consumers and retailers to get
information about durable, affordable and environmentally-friendly
laminate flooring and is comprised of 10 regular members (manufacturers)
and 19 associate members (distributors). The main goal of the
organization is to encourage the establishment and maintenance of high
standards in laminate flooring in North America and to recognize those
that meet them.

This past year the organization took a critical stride towards improving
quality control in the industry by encouraging its members to display the
NALFA Certification Seal on product packaging to promote quality control
in the industry and encouraging associate members to promote
NALFA-certified products.

A NALFA seal is given to producers who pass the intense testing and
examination of their product(s), assuring the consumer that the product
conforms to NALFA quality standards.

Staying true to their mission, NALFA feels recognition is needed for
individuals and companies that make the greatest contributions to the
responsible growth of the laminate flooring segment during each year.
Thus, the LAMMY Awards were introduced.

“For the past decade, NALFA members and associate members have made
substantial contributions to the industry and their efforts have gone
unnoticed,” explains Dearing. “Through the LAMMY Awards, NALFA can
formally recognize these companies and individuals for their contributions
and encourage them to continue their efforts and also encourage others to
follow in their footsteps.”

In 2000, NALFA created voluntary performance standards for the laminate
flooring producers in the North American Market. In 2001, these standards
were approved by the American National Standards Institute. Performance
requirements for NALFA products include, but are not limited to: static
load, thickness swell, impact resistance, light resistance,
cleanability/stain resistance, wear resistance, dimensional tolerances and
castor chair resistance.

Formed in 1997, the North American Laminate Flooring Association is an
organization of U.S. and Canadian manufacturers and importers of laminate
flooring products. NALFA's mission is to encourage the establishment and
maintenance of high standards in laminate flooring in North America, to
recognize those that meet these standards and to recognize Associate
Members who provide products and services to the laminate flooring
industry. For more information, visit www.nalfa.com.