Don't you know the new national ENF environmental protection standard?

You'll undoubtedly often hear the terms "E1" and "E0" used during renovations. E1 was first introduced in GB 18580-2001, and E0 in GB 9846-2004. As consumer expectations for formaldehyde emissions increased, the government issued and implemented GB 18580-2017, a standard for formaldehyde emission limits for wood-based panels and their products. This standard only stipulates the E1 limit (≤0.124 mg/m³), without mentioning the E0 limit. Subsequent revisions to wood-based panel product standards referenced these standards for formaldehyde emissions, and the widely accepted "E0" designation disappeared from the national standards.

To address this issue, stricter E0 and formaldehyde-free grades were developed, surpassing the national standard. As market demands for higher formaldehyde emissions continue to grow, the national standard GB/T 39600-2021, "Classification of Formaldehyde Emissions of Wood-Based Panels and Their Products," officially came into effect on October 1, 2021. TuBaoBao also participated in the development of this standard. This standard categorizes formaldehyde emissions into three levels: E1, E0, and ENF. Specific requirements are shown in the table below.

Does ENF grade mean formaldehyde-free grade?

The proposed "formaldehyde-free grade" is a formaldehyde emission indicator value determined by the desiccant method; the national standard "ENF grade" is a formaldehyde emission indicator value determined by the climate chamber method. Due to the different testing methods, the two cannot be hastily equated. Furthermore, "formaldehyde-free" and "ENF grade" refer to the absence of formaldehyde added during the production process, which is different from the consumer concept of "formaldehyde-free" or "zero formaldehyde." After all, even raw materials found in nature contain formaldehyde.

It should be noted that formaldehyde in indoor air is produced by artificial board furniture, flooring, curtains, carpets, wallpaper and other products. Therefore, while paying attention to the environmental protection of board materials, it is also necessary to pay attention to the environmental performance of other decoration materials, as well as the room load rate. Not all products can be used without restrictions if they are environmentally friendly.

The world's most stringent environmental protection standards, no doubt

The latest national standards for ENF and E0 not only surpass the EU E1 standard, but also surpass the US P2 and Japanese F☆☆☆☆ standards, both considered sacred in the home improvement industry. The new national ENF standard has become the world's most stringent environmental standard, challenging even some of the most prized wood panel brands in Europe and the US to meet.

The introduction of the new national standard has put forward more stringent requirements for businesses. If companies want to meet the standards, they must further optimize and improve various aspects such as raw material control, process technology, and quality inspection. For consumers, there is no need to blindly identify foreign environmentally friendly panels. Chinese panels can be better than foreign panels.

Hold yourself to higher standards

We have always held ourselves to the highest standards possible, implementing E1 and E0 standards ahead of the national standards. In 2008, we pioneered the launch of "formaldehyde-free" products. After the new national standards were officially implemented in October 2021, we launched "super core boards," boards that meet ENF-level environmental protection standards.

Super Core Board not only provides formaldehyde-free and antibacterial boards for consumers who want to customize their whole house, but also actively removes formaldehyde from the home space, creating a healthier and more reassuring living space for consumers.