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

Although the concept of eco-friendly furniture has become widely accepted, even those who are renovating their homes are often willing to pay more for safer, greener options. Yet, in reality, many people—both consumers and industry professionals—still don’t fully understand what green furniture truly means. To address this, we reached out to experts to gain insight into the environmental standards and practices in the furniture industry.

A renowned designer from Kepai Furniture, a well-known Chinese furniture manufacturer, shared that China’s furniture exports are facing increasingly strict technical barriers. Environmental compliance is becoming a key trend in the industry. Despite this, many companies, both large and small, still lack a clear commitment to environmental protection. What should buyers look for when purchasing furniture? Experts have provided several important points to consider.

First, ensure that the furniture complies with four mandatory national standards. These include GB18580-2001, which limits formaldehyde emissions in wood-based panels; GB18581-2001, which sets restrictions on harmful substances in coatings; GB18583-2001, which regulates adhesives used in interior decoration; and GB18584-2001, which specifies limits on harmful substances in wood furniture. Only products that meet these standards and come with a qualified inspection report can be considered environmentally safe.

Second, while natural materials may sound eco-friendly, they are not automatically green. Formaldehyde content remains one of the most critical indicators of environmental safety. According to China’s mandatory standard, formaldehyde emissions in furniture should not exceed 1.5mg/L. This helps limit the presence of harmful chemicals in raw materials. Furniture that fails to meet these standards can be harmful to both health and the environment.

Additionally, some companies label their products as “green” even if they only meet basic requirements. This practice is controversial. At the 20th International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in the U.S., domestic manufacturers noticed that “green furniture” was highly popular, while locally produced “natural and non-toxic” furniture received little attention. This sparked a lot of discussion within the industry.

Worldwide, “green furniture” refers to products that cause no pollution during production, do not harm indoor air quality, and can be recycled after disposal. For example, some modern designs featured at ICFF use healthier materials and advanced manufacturing processes, eliminating harmful substances like formaldehyde. These are considered true examples of green furniture. In contrast, many products that meet China’s formaldehyde emission standards still fall short of the global definition of “green.”

Third, when buying furniture, it’s wise to check for environmental certifications and test reports. There are numerous certification types in China, including both domestic and international ones. Different levels—national, regional, environmental, and quality—can make it difficult for buyers to tell what’s legitimate. A brand designer recommends looking at the product’s test report, which provides detailed information about material composition and formaldehyde levels. Consumers can request this document and compare it with the national standard (GB18584-2001) to verify whether the furniture is truly eco-friendly.

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