George Sfendourakis
Monash University
Gitanjali Bedi
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Nikpol supplies melamine boards that are extremely low in formaldehyde that have many uses such as for shelving, kitchens and joinery. These boards are endorsed by the National Asthma Council of Australia and are the only products in the industry that are considered ‘Sensitive Choice.’ Both these boards pass on The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification chain of custody which means that the wood is sustainably sourced. The endorsement of ‘Sensitive Choice’ ensures that asthmatics and people with allergies are benefited leading to ‘Good Health and Well-being.’ The environmentally friendly boards benefit ‘Life on Land’ as well as ‘Climate Action.’
Eurolight
Eurolight is a 50 mm thick lightweight composite board composed of an 8mm top and bottom layer of melamine-faced chipboard with a cardboard comb -shaped core. The advantage of this product is that it is up to 60% lighter than its equivalent thickness chipboard or MDF but has the benefit of being extremely robust.
Egger Melamine
This product comes in 16, 18 and 25mm thicknesses. It is manufactured from a particle board substrate which is covered with a decorative printed paper. This board is perfect for kitchen, joinery and wall paneling applications.
Both products are endorsed by the National Asthma Council of Australia and are the only products considered ‘Sensitive Choice’ in the industry. These products also contain ‘the lowest formaldehyde levels in Australia ("Eurodecor board and worktops - Sensitive Choice", 2018)’ and pass on The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification chain of custody.
The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification works to promote Sustainable Forest Management throughout the entire forest supply chain. They aim to ensure that production of forest products is done with ‘respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards ("Who We Are - Who We Are", 2018).’
The inspiration for becoming an environmentally friendly company that supply’s sustainable products came from the founder of Nikpol, Nick Nikolakakis. Coming from a farming background, Nick had 1000 square metres of garden behind the original headquarters of Nikpol. He had a large variety of fruits and vegetables with a focus on healthy and organic produce. His sons are now continuing his legacy by sourcing boards with very low levels of formaldehyde that are healthy for users, particularly asthmatics.
Egger Melamine and Eurolight provide excellent, sustainable and healthy decorative and functional interior and exterior solutions. Their benefits are recognised by the National Asthma Council of Australia and The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. As such consumers can enjoy a functional and aesthetically pleasing product and have the peace of mind that they are using a healthy and sustainable product.
‘These products reinforce our position in the market as innovative, sustainable and relevant (Spiro).’
These products are more expensive to buy and Nikpol has absorbed the additional costs to bring these products to the market. While Spiro explained that Nikpol does not necessarily sell more from the innovation, he mentioned many other business benefits. Providing sustainable products that benefit the environment and help people with allergies and asthma makes him feel good and this feeling is shared by his employees who are proud and motivated to be a part of a company with that focus. A positive brand image and the potential for government contracts are other benefits. Spiro also explained that if government laws changed to favor sustainable wood products, Nikpol would be positioned to service the industry.
The lightness of Eurolight benefits the environment by allowing transport vehicles to carry more Eurolight boards, aiding in the business wide reduction of C02 emissions by 87%. The comb-core in the middle is sustainably sourced and made from recycled cardboard. This results in Eurolight using up to 60% less wood compared to chipboard.
The products meet the chain of custody which means that the wood used is sourced from sustainably managed forests. These boards are also recyclable when they are no longer required. Their endorsement by the National Asthma Council of Australia and Sensitive Choice confirms a safe product for consumers that also benefits asthmatics and allergy sufferers. This is evident from the lowest levels of formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds used in manufacturing of wood-based products in Australia.
Nikpol also has a sustainability policy which prescribes diesel only engines, LED lights, recycled waste management and ensures monthly environmental reviews.
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Spiro Nikolakakis, Director
Nikpol is an Australian supplier of ‘hardware, decorative surfaces and appliances to the renovation, RV and building industries ("About", 2018).’ Nikpol is the only supplier of melamine boards in the industry that are considered ‘sensitive choice.’ Their commitment to the environment is reflected by 91% of their products being environmentally preferable. The boards used by Nikpol have a multitude of applications such as wall paneling, partitions and ceiling fan cladding, shelving, kitchens and joinery.