Formaldehyde, a colorless flammable, strong smelling gas that is used in the manufacture of many building products, is receiving tremendous media exposure because of its significant potential for adverse affects on health. Thermo-ply Protective Sheathing, a high performance environmentally responsible product, is formaldehyde-free and a proven healthy alternative to other sheathing products.

The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety, the U.S. National Toxicology Program, and the U.S. EPA advise limiting exposure to formaldehyde, a probable human carcinogen that can cause respiratory and other health problems.

Thermo-ply, unlike other sheathing materials, does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehydes, asphalts or phenols. The non-toxic bonding agent used for Thermo-ply is 100% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). PVA is one of the safest bonding agents available and is used extensively in the food service industry. Eliminating building products with known human toxins can help to avoid health issues, as well as, future claims against the builders.

Thermo-ply is constructed with 100% recycled materials (80% post consumer waste and 20% post-industrial material), is 99% recyclable and is manufactured without CFCs.

Using Thermo-ply can also reduce home energy use. Thermo-ply reduces air infiltration which can account for 50% of a home's energy loss. Thermo-ply is non-porous, can be overlapped and wrapped around corners to provide a tighter seal to the studs than plywood or OSB.

The need for building products that are non-toxic, green and energy efficient puts new requirements on architects and builders. "We are pleased that Thermo-ply is a structural sheathing that helps reduce energy consumption and provides long term protection without sacrificing performance," says Ben Cross, Director of Product Development for Berry Plastics Building Products Group.

"Building for the future, with a conscience today, can eliminate the prospect of growing health and environmental issues of tomorrow. It also may help to avoid remediation of products where formaldehyde is present," adds Mr. Cross.

Thermo-ply is manufactured by Berry Plastics Building Products Group, a leader in eco-friendly recycled sheathing and specialists in the development of products with distinct market advantages.