Environmental protection is an important factor in measuring the quality of furniture

Although the idea of green and eco-friendly furniture has become widely accepted, even those who are renovating their homes are often willing to pay more for safer, more environmentally friendly options. However, in reality, many people still lack a clear understanding of what "green furniture" truly means—this includes professionals in the furniture industry as well. To gain more insight, we reached out to experts in the field to explain the environmental standards of furniture.

A renowned domestic furniture manufacturer, Kepai Furniture, shared insights about the challenges faced by Chinese furniture exports. They mentioned that technical barriers are becoming stricter, and environmental compliance will be a key trend moving forward. Despite this, many furniture companies, both large and small, rarely set high internal standards for environmental protection. So, what should consumers look out for when purchasing furniture?

First, ensure that the furniture meets four mandatory national standards related to harmful substances. These include GB18580-2001, which limits formaldehyde emissions in wood-based panels, GB18581-2001 for coatings, GB18583-2001 for adhesives, and GB18584-2001 for wood furniture. Only products that strictly follow these standards and come with inspection reports from qualified institutions can be considered safe and environmentally compliant.

Second, while natural materials are often seen as non-toxic, they don’t automatically mean the furniture is “green.” Formaldehyde content remains a crucial indicator of environmental safety. According to China’s mandatory standard, the formaldehyde emission in furniture should not exceed 1.5mg/L. Products that fail to meet this requirement may pose health risks and should be avoided.

Additionally, some companies label their products as “green” just because they meet basic standards. This is misleading. At the recent ICFF in the U.S., it was clear that “green furniture” was highly sought after, while domestically produced “natural and non-toxic” furniture received little attention. This sparked discussions within the industry about the real meaning of green furniture.

True green furniture refers to products that do not pollute the environment during production, do not harm human health during use, and can be recycled at the end of their life. For example, modern designs showcased at ICFF used healthier materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, eliminating harmful substances like formaldehyde. These are considered true representatives of green furniture. In comparison, many Chinese products that meet the formaldehyde limit standards still fall short of the global green benchmark.

Third, when choosing furniture, it's wise to check for environmental certifications and test reports. There are numerous certification types in China, ranging from local to international, and from environmental to quality-focused. It can be confusing for buyers. A designer recommends looking at the product’s test report, which provides clear details on material composition and formaldehyde levels. The national standard GB18584-2001 sets specific limits for harmful substances, and consumers can request this report to verify if the furniture is truly eco-friendly.

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