A recent report by the Consumer Association of 28 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangdong, in collaboration with the China Green House Environmental Technology Working Committee of the China Interior Decoration Association, has raised concerns about the environmental standards of domestic flooring and wood-based panels. The "Comparative Test Report on the Environmental Performance of Floors and Boards" revealed that 97.14% of 35 tested samples exceeded the formaldehyde emission limits set by the current national standard, GB18580-2001.
The standard, which was introduced in 2001, only sets two levels for formaldehyde emissions: E1 (1.5 mg/L) and E2 (5.0 mg/L). It does not include a stricter E0 classification (0.5 mg/L), which is commonly used in international markets. If the E0 standard were applied, only 2 out of 15 laminate flooring samples would meet the requirement, resulting in a compliance rate of just 13.3%. This highlights a significant gap between China's current regulations and global environmental benchmarks.
According to officials from the Shanghai Municipal Consumer Protection Committee, the lack of uniformity in flooring and board standards, combined with an enterprise self-inspection system, has led to inconsistent product quality. Some unscrupulous manufacturers are selling products that don’t meet even basic requirements, while others use misleading marketing to suggest higher quality than they actually offer. Technically, many Chinese companies are capable of producing E0-grade materials, but the market is flooded with E1 and E2 products, largely due to the low bar set by national standards.
In response, consumer protection agencies have called for stricter environmental regulations and improved industry transparency. They recommend enhancing certification systems and establishing traceability mechanisms for raw materials to ensure greater accountability across the supply chain. Additionally, the report emphasizes the need for better green monitoring practices to promote sustainable production.
It’s also important to note that no product is completely free of formaldehyde. While some manufacturers may claim to use formaldehyde-free adhesives, consumers should carefully check product labels and certifications before making a purchase. Awareness and informed decision-making are key to ensuring safer and more environmentally friendly choices in the flooring and wood products market.Led Street Light Module,Waterproof Street Module Light,30W Led Street Light Module,Street Light Module for Road
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