Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1535796
1 0 2 P E R S P E C T I V E | M AY / J U N E 2 0 2 5 S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y ADG Green Report: ECOR - Product Case Study B Y K A R E N S T E WA R D , A D G G R E E N C O M M I T T E E S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y C O N S U L TA N T A ADG Green is always on the lookout for healthier, more circular materials that might replace some of the less sustainable ones most commonly used in the film industry. When considering a possible replacement, our criteria is always: 1.) Ease of availability 2.) Cost comparison/sheet size 3.) Circular business model (cradle-to-grave) 4.) Buy-back/take-back programs 5.) Material compatibility 6.) Landfill considerations, among others. For the past few months, the ADG Green Committee, with support from SEA (Sustainable Entertainment Alliance) Materials Group has been testing this relatively new building material called ECOR. We specifically tested the 6mm product (closest to the standard 1/4-inch sheet thickness) for use on set as a replacement for typical MDF (Medium Debsity Fiberboard) and/or particle board. ADG Green Co-chair M. Woods chose Darrin Rolls at the LA-based union shop Arête and scenic artist Maxwell King to take on this test project, first building flats from six sheets of 1/4-inch material donated by ECOR in La Jolla, CA. ECOR is an engineered composite sheet material that compares to MDF and/or particle board but the ingredients are safer for the user and the environment and is technically more recyclable, faring better in a landfill if it makes it that far as a raw material. At the time of this article, the price point is quoted as being very comparable to current product sheet prices. Recently deployed applications by ECOR include fixtures and furniture for retail environments, temporary or permanent wall partitions, flooring and secondary packaging . Traditional MDF starts as sawdust and shavings— all the little bits and pieces of wood that are created as a byproduct of industrial milling. Under high heat and intense pressure, those panels are compressed and become rigid with a hard shell. It can contain urea-formaldehyde and/or isocyanides (carcinogens), along with binders like resin and wax, and often is treated with chemicals for flame-proofing or moisture-proofing. Until it's fully sealed, MDF continues to off-gas. ADG GREEN COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT: THE ADG IS COMMITTED TO MAKING POSITIVE AND LASTING CHANGES IN THE FILM, TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY, AND PROMOTING A MORE SUSTAINABLE ART DEPARTMENT BY PROVIDING RESOURCES, EDUCATION, ECO- FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS, AND PARTNERSHIPS AMONG AND WITH THE MULTITUDE OF INDUSTRY CRAFTS, VENDORS AND PRODUCERS. A. KAREN STEWARD. B. ECOR RAW MATERIAL. PHOTO COURTESY OF ECOR WEBSITE C. ECOR PRODUCT PAGE. C B B