By Liz Switzer
For Boa-Franc and its Mirage brand of hardwood flooring, environmental responsibility goes deeper than best business practices. The concept of being “naturally responsible” – the company mantra – is rooted in the Saint-Georges, Quebec, manufacturer’s beginnings 20- plus years ago.

From day one, Boa-Franc tapped into Canada’s extensive network of hydro-electric power. This is the most widely used form of renewable energy, which produces no direct waste and has a considerably lower output level of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide than fossil fuel-powered plants.

Mirage has maintained its commitment to sustainable development through a three-tiered mission statement of environmental integrity, economic efficiency and social equity. In product development, that has meant sourcing only non-genetically modified wood and lumber from sustainably managed forests, said Pierre Thabet, president.

In 1997, Mirage built its first separate sorting facilities and claims it became North America’s first hardwood flooring manufacturer to achieve ISO 9001 certification. The launch of Mirage engineered flooring followed in 1999. Three years later, the company built a second manufacturing plant and in 2007 launched its third Mirage application technology, Mirage Lock.

“Our customers come here on a continuous basis and take detailed tours of our facility,” said Jean L’Italien, sales training manager. “When they leave, they have seen first-hand our serious engagement with all activities relating to sustainable development. After, it is easy for them to refer to Mirage as the cleanest outfit in the industry.”

Glueless engineered hardwood floors now feature a tension-free locking system and are constructed of an HDF core containing wood made from 100% post-industrial recycled fiber. The ultra-thin wearlayer uses six times less hardwood than conventional 3/4-inch solid board to cover the same floor surface and can be easily removed and reused.

Mirage recently developed Breza, what it calls “the first Canadian exotic.” Breza is made from yellow birch that has been modified with a heat treatment that changes its color to a rich brown. The result is a local wood that looks like an exotic species called Bali Coco. “It did not come from the rainforest but from the north, where it is easy to find well-managed forest products,” L’Italien said.

In house, Mirage has a company-wide goal of zero landfill waste and utilizes a controlled, natural drying process to ensure maximum use of wind and solar energy during the hottest periods, limiting its use of other energy sources.

The company participates in reforestation projects both in Canada and the U.S., and contributes to more than 350 local organizations and foundations that fight problems such as poverty, violence, illiteracy and illness. Mirage has donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to hospital foundations across North America.

All Mirage Lock products are in full compliance with California Air Resource Board’s airborne toxic control measures to reduce formaldehyde emissions. The company further works to protect air quality with its finishes, none of which release VOCs or formaldehyde and can be installed cleanly, without the use of solvent gases.

Mirage recycles 100% of the wood waste generated in its manufacturing, using some to fuel the furnace that generates heat for its lumber kiln dryers. The rest becomes logs and pellets for heating, wood fiber panels and farm animal bedding.