With the upgrading of global green building standards, the environmental rating of MDF has become one of the core factors in procurement decisions. The terms E0, CARB P2, F ★★★, and formaldehyde free additive (NAF) have left many buyers confused. This article will analyze the testing methods and applicable scenarios of each standard one by one.
1. E0 level
Standard source: Chinese GB/T 39600-2021 and enterprise self determined standards.
Formaldehyde emission limit: ≤ 0.050 mg/m ³ (climate chamber method).
Applicable scenarios: ordinary residential furniture, commercial spaces.
Advantages: High cost-effectiveness, reducing formaldehyde emissions by about 60% compared to E1.
2. CARB P2 (California Air Resources Board Phase 2)
Testing method: dryer method (≤ 0.08 ppm) or climate chamber method (≤ 0.05 ppm).
Characteristics: The factory is required to undergo strict production chain certification and regular sampling inspections.
Applicable scenarios: exporting to the US market, high-end hotel projects, and school furniture.
3. JIS F ☆☆☆☆ (Japanese Agricultural Standard Four Star)
Limit value: Average ≤ 0.3 mg/L (dryer method, converted to approximately ≤ 0.04 ppm).
Additional requirements: The formaldehyde emission of the entire board is extremely low, and the use of urea formaldehyde resin is not allowed.
Applicable scenarios: Japanese market, children's toys, medical facilities.
4. NAF/formaldehyde free addition
Adhesive: MDI (isocyanate) or soy based adhesive.
Formaldehyde release: below the detection limit (usually<0.01 mg/m ³).
Applicable scenarios: baby crib, kindergarten, LEED v4 Platinum certification project.
Purchase Recommendations
Ordinary rental housing or office partitions: E1 is sufficient.
Self occupied bedroom or customized wardrobe: Priority E0 or CARB P2.
Export or certification projects: Choose F ☆☆☆☆ or CARB P2 according to the target market.
People who are extremely sensitive to odors: choose MDI formaldehyde free MDF and pay attention to the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) report.
