At last, a brilliant use for the mountains of styrofoam accumulating all over the continent. Meet Timbron International , a US-based company whose product has diverted so much plastic from the waste stream it could fill the Empire State Building! For the curious, that adds up to over 37 million cubic feet of material. Timbron is the creator of a green interior trim made from recycled styrofoam, which was named by the GreenSpec Directory a top ten green building product in 2006.

More impressive yet is the solid refined quality of the 90% recycled interior moldings. At present, Timbron offers seven different molding styles that boast the same density as softwood. From baseboard to crown molding to window and door framing applications, this product is a versatile option that packs a hefty punch when it comes to environmental standards.

At times, an eco-friendly product raises a skeptical eyebrow or two when scrutinized for durability, maintenance and overall quality. Timbron offers us only good news here, stating that its moldings are waterproof, long-lasting, mould and mildew resistant, zero-VOC emitters and just as easy to install as wood products.

For those who are chemically sensitive or who can think of more fun things to do than paint, this trim can be left white, with no additional finishing required. However, if you prefer a natural wood look, you won’t be able to achieve that with this product.

Timbron is exploring other applications for its recycled styrofoam, and hopes to be producing chamfers in the near future. The company’s Sustainability Manager Heather Gadonniex is also collecting baseline data on production impacts to measure and diminish Timbron’s footprint. This action is the next step following the creation and implementation of the company’s corporate social responsibility platform – a program that earned Timbron the Green Building Pages Social Sustainability 2007 Earth Day Award.

Gadonniex highlights the value in educating within the company before introducing new programs so that commitment and understanding reinforces progress. With targets to support worker health and safety, environmental education for employees and the general public, living wage, gender equality and diversity, employee innovation incentives, and concern for net environmental impact, Timbron is continuing to make strides on a genuine path toward greater sustainability.

Ranging from $0.79 per foot for the base shoe to $3.89 for the crown molding, this product is an affordable choice that is now available in Canada through Raising Spaces.

*Unused ends or used moldings with one layer of paint or less are accepted

Read the San Fransisco Business Times article on this product – February 22, 2008

Are you interested in purchasing this product? Place your order today.