Oregon State University and Hercules Inc. stick together to create a low-cost formaldehyde-free wood adhesive.
The Engineered Wood Association suggests on its website that the Chinese began the practice for furniture production more than 1,000 years ago, with Russians advancing the craft during the 17th and 18th centuries. The association notes, however, that it was a small Oregon-based wooden box manufacturer that essentially launched the plywood industry in 1905 by showing its wares at the World's Fair held in Portland that year.