Understanding Cabinet Grades: E0, E1, and CARB Compliance
When shopping for cabinets—especially those manufactured overseas—you'll encounter various certification standards. Understanding these ratings helps you make informed decisions about product quality and indoor air safety.
What is Formaldehyde and Why Does It Matter?
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) commonly found in adhesives used to manufacture plywood, MDF, and particleboard. Prolonged exposure to high levels can cause respiratory issues and other health concerns.
E0 vs. E1 Ratings
These European standards measure formaldehyde emissions:
- **E1 Standard**: ≤ 0.124 mg/m³ (≤ 9 mg/100g)
- **E0 Standard**: ≤ 0.5 mg/L (approximately half of E1)
E0 is the stricter standard and indicates very low formaldehyde emissions—comparable to natural wood.
CARB Phase 2 Compliance
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) sets the strictest standards in the United States:
- **Particleboard**: 0.09 ppm
- **MDF**: 0.11 ppm
- **Hardwood Plywood**: 0.05 ppm
Any composite wood products sold in California must meet CARB Phase 2, and this has effectively become the national standard.
What We Require from Our Factory Partners
All SurfaceLab cabinet factories must provide:
- E0 or CARB Phase 2 certification for all composite materials
- Third-party test reports updated annually
- Chain of custody documentation
This ensures that every cabinet we deliver meets or exceeds the strictest air quality standards.