The E2 grade of wood-based panels is eliminated

The flooring and sheet metal industries are set to remove the E2 formaldehyde emission limit regulations, a development that has sparked widespread discussion within the sector. This change is particularly relevant for companies involved in flooring production, as it directly impacts their operations and future growth. At the same time, the news has gained attention in online decoration forums, where consumers are now more aware of how much formaldehyde is released by different types of flooring. According to recent reports, the relevant authorities are planning to revise the formaldehyde emission standards for sheet materials, making them stricter and posing new challenges for industry enterprises. In response to the growing demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient products, many companies are focusing on revolutionary material innovations, aiming for "zero formaldehyde" emissions. This shift is seen as a potential opportunity to create a new market space and drive the industry forward. Formaldehyde emission limits are becoming stricter. The National Standards Committee is about to revise the mandatory national standard GB18580-2001, which sets limits for formaldehyde release from interior decoration materials, including artificial panels and their products. The E2 standard will be eliminated in this revision. Li Jiafeng, Chairman of the Floor Committee at the China Wood and Wood Products Distribution Association, confirmed this news, stating that E2-grade boards are better suited for outdoor and packaging applications, while the new standards will impose stricter requirements on formaldehyde emissions. In China, there are currently two levels of formaldehyde release limits for wood-based panels: E2 (≤5.0 mg/L) and E1 (≤1.5 mg/L). The E0 level (≤0.5 mg/L) is recommended in some standards but not mandatory. The gap between E0 and E1 is one order of magnitude, while the difference between E2 and E1 is 3.5 orders of magnitude. Many in the industry believe this wide range makes the current standard unscientific. Li Jiafeng noted that domestic manufacturers are increasingly pursuing "zero formaldehyde" technology, aiming to reduce or eliminate formaldehyde emissions. European and Japanese companies are also advancing in this area, with large brands placing greater emphasis on health and environmental indicators. Industry experts suggest that if the revised formaldehyde emission standards are implemented, it could significantly impact flooring and adhesive producers. Adhesives that previously met the E2 standard may no longer be used, increasing production costs for some companies. However, stricter standards are seen as an inevitable trend, and most flooring companies have already reached E1 or even E0 levels in their production. Adhesive quality should be valued. Hu Huijun, deputy secretary general of the Floor Committee, warned that excessive formaldehyde can be harmful, especially to children. Mild exposure can cause dizziness, while severe cases may lead to serious health issues like leukemia. He emphasized that the main source of formaldehyde comes from the base material of wooden floors and furniture, with adhesives being the key factor in determining whether formaldehyde is released. Low-quality urea-formaldehyde glue tends to emit more formaldehyde, especially in low-density boards commonly found in small workshops. Consumers are advised to purchase from reputable channels and carefully evaluate the quality of adhesives used in products. The concept of "zero formaldehyde" is now widely promoted in the market, but experts caution against blindly trusting such claims. Even high-end products may contain trace amounts of formaldehyde, and the safety of a product depends on whether it meets the required emission standards. Research shows that the environmental performance of panels is closely linked to both the raw materials and the adhesives used. It's not a technical challenge, but a cost issue. Li Jiafeng explained that while "zero formaldehyde" is achievable, it requires significant investment in higher-quality adhesives. Many companies are hesitant to invest due to the higher costs involved. The emergence of wheat straw board offers a promising alternative. Many find it hard to believe that wheat straw can be used to make panels, but positive market feedback has changed perceptions. Nofiborg, a German-funded company, produces low-carbon, healthy panels using patented technology. Their wheat straw board is made from natural wheat straw and bonded with formaldehyde-free p-MDI adhesive, resulting in extremely low formaldehyde emissions. In a comparison experiment conducted by the Tianjin Consumers Association, a non-wood-based panel made by Nofiborg showed a formaldehyde emission of just 0.05 mg/100g, far below other tested samples. Industry experts argue that wheat straw board is not just a concept—it is strong, durable, and suitable for various applications, including construction, interior design, furniture, and packaging. Pentax, CEO of Nofiborg, highlighted the strength of wheat straw fibers, noting that they are capable of supporting heavy loads. His company’s directional structure wheat straw board features high structural strength, moisture resistance, and excellent processing properties, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood-based panels. Binder emphasized that the quality of the p-MDI adhesive plays a crucial role in ensuring the low formaldehyde emissions of the final product. Although the price of p-MDI is higher than traditional adhesives, its superior quality makes it a reliable choice for consumers seeking safe and environmentally friendly products. Editor in charge: GO Jiaju, Jiujie

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