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Geoncll-PnGtFlG, Atlanta, Ga., expanded its 0SB offerings to include oversized and FSC-certified panels with its acquistion of Grant's OSB plants in Englehart and Earlton, Ont., and Allendale and Clarendon, S.C.

II /HnrHen IT's ro BULK up their green image or to uncovY Y er more ways to rack up LEED points, builders are searching for environmentally-approved versions of construction materials, and OSB makers are answering the call.

Environmental certification is a natural for OSB. since manufacturers have long contended that their products held green advantages over plywood because OSB can be produced from smaller trees and cuts down on waste.

The majority of North American OSB producers now offer third-party certification. OSB from Louisiana-Pacific, Georgia-Pacific, ilevel by Weyerhaeuser, Norbord, and Huber Engineered Woods is certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Tolko products are certified to Canadian Standards Association and Environmental Management System ISO standards.

Buyers can also pay a premium for OSB subflooring that's Forest Stewardship Council certifiedfrom Norbord, RoyOMartin, and G-P (thanks to its purchase of Grant Forest Products' mill in Englehart, Ont.).

"When it comes to being 'green,' we pride ourselves on listening to our customers and strategically aligning our timber base and manufacturing processes with the customer's request for environmentally responsible building products," said Bobby Byrd, OSB sales manager for RoyOMartin. "Our decision to become FSC certified in 2001 proved to be a sound one, both for the environment and consumers."

G-P's DryGuard and Huber's AdvanTech subfloor also carry the NAHB Green Approved label, and the latter is also ESR cenified.

Additionally, producers have upgraded OSB's associaBnildinghoduclsom

G-P already operated six other OSB mills, although its facility in Mount Hope, W.V., is slated for closure Oct. 1. Plant manager Neil Belt blamed "current market conditions. It remains unclear as to when the facility will reopen or whether it will reopen at all."

Hueen EncrrreReo Wooos, Charlotte, N.C., continues operating five OSB mills from the Southeast to Maine.

RovoMmlt, Alexandria, La., continues expanding the capabilities of its three-year-old facility in Oakdale, La., including formulating its 7/16" OSB to carry four different APA gradestamps.

"Our customers ask us how to drive their inventory costs down," said 0SB sales manager Bobby Byrd. "We respond with products that can perform multiple tasks, thus reducing inventory costs by having to inventory one item versus four." Its OSB shuctural panels also have received third-party verification from the Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International.

ToLKo, Vernon, B.C., retumed to full production in January at its plant in Meadow Lake, Sk., which was damaged by a late 2009 fire. lts other 0SB mills remain mothballed.

Lru{ceoffio produces 0SB at its plant in Quitman, Ga.

Gmu Fonrsr Pnooucts, Englehart, Ont., sold four of its facilities to G-P after filing for bankruptcy protection. At least two groups of investors have expressed interest in Grants' mill in Timmons, Ont., but it would take $3540 million to get it running again.