This invention relates to compositions and methods for reduction of formaldehyde odor and emission during the production and curing of cores and molds, particularly those cores and molds of the foundry industry which comprise ester curable phenolic binders. More specifically, included herein is an ester-curative comprising an ester and resorcinol which, when provided in a composition with a resin and an aggregate, effectively scavenges unreacted formaldehyde thereby reducing emission and odor of the same from the composition.