Recent findings have raised concerns about the environmental safety of flooring and board products in China. A joint report titled “Comparative Test Report on the Environmental Performance of Floors and Boards†was released by the Consumer Association of 28 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, along with the China Green House Environmental Technology Working Committee of the China Interior Decoration Association. The results revealed that 97.14% of 35 tested samples exceeded the formaldehyde emission limits set by the national standard GB18580-2001.
The current Chinese standard for formaldehyde emissions, established back in 2001, only sets two levels: E1 (1.5 mg/L) and E2 (5.0 mg/L). It does not include an E0 grade (0.5 mg/L), which is considered more environmentally friendly. If the stricter 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 existing regulations and the actual environmental needs of consumers.
According to officials from the Shanghai Municipal Consumer Protection Committee, the lack of uniformity in industry standards and the reliance on enterprise self-inspection have led to inconsistencies in product quality. Some unscrupulous manufacturers take advantage of this by producing substandard goods while marketing them as high-quality. Technically, many domestic companies are capable of manufacturing E0-grade boards and flooring, but the market remains flooded with E1 and E2 products, largely due to the lenient national standards.
In response, consumer rights organizations are urging authorities to revise and strengthen environmental protection standards. They also recommend implementing a comprehensive certification system for wood-based panel manufacturers, particularly since the industry is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses need better oversight to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
Moreover, the report emphasizes the importance of traceability in the production process. Consumers should be able to track the origin of raw materials used in their flooring and boards. Strengthening green monitoring systems and ensuring openness in the industrial chain are essential steps toward improving product safety and environmental sustainability.
Lastly, the association reminds consumers that no product is completely free of formaldehyde. While some products may use formaldehyde-free adhesives, it’s crucial for buyers to read labels carefully and understand what they’re purchasing. Awareness and informed decision-making are key to protecting both health and the environment.Street Light,Ultra Bright Led Light Street,Aluminum Led Street Light,Outdoors 24V Led Light
Yangzhou Langxu Lighting Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.street-lighting.com