Eco-Friendly Materials: Understanding Wood Panel Environmental Standards for Your Malaysian Home

At Evergreen, we know Malaysian homeowners care about healthy, eco-friendly materials for their built-in cabinets. That’s why we exclusively use imported panels from Kronospan (Europe) and Daintree (Australia) that meet world-leading environmental standards. Whether you want the highest safety grade for your children’s room or practical, affordable options for storage areas, understanding these standards helps you make better choices.

Let’s break down the most important certifications — F★★★★, E0, E1, and E2 — so you can choose the right panels for your home.

Key Environmental Standards at a Glance

Standard Formaldehyde Limit Test Method Suitable Application Evergreen Compliance
F★★★★ (Japan) ≤0.3 mg/L Desiccator No usage restrictions, best for any living area ✓ Kronospan & Daintree
E0 (EU) ≤0.5 mg/L Perforator Bedrooms, living spaces, children’s rooms ✓ All product lines
E1 (EU) ≤1.5 mg/L Perforator General interior use Available on request
E2 (EU) ≤5.0 mg/L Perforator Low-traffic or non-living spaces Available upon request

Why F★★★★ Sets the Gold Standard

Japanese F★★★★ certification is one of the most respected globally. It allows no area restrictions, meaning you can safely install these panels even in nurseries or bedrooms. Kronospan panels we use meet this strict ≤0.3 mg/L limit, with third-party audits covering the entire production chain.

✅ Safe for 24/7 occupancy
✅ Strong durability even in humid Malaysian weather
✅ Full traceability and consistent quality

E0: Practical and Safe for Most Malaysian Homes

European E0 grade is another excellent choice, limiting formaldehyde emissions to ≤0.5 mg/L. E0 panels are recommended for bedrooms, living rooms, and spaces where your family spends a lot of time. They combine a high level of safety with affordability, making them a smart option for Malaysian homeowners who want eco-friendly built-in cabinets at a reasonable cost.

✅ Family-friendly indoor air quality
✅ Suitable for children’s rooms
✅ Long-lasting and stable

E1: The General Interior Standard

If you have areas with moderate air circulation — such as hallways, laundry rooms, or guest rooms — E1-certified panels may be enough. The formaldehyde limit is ≤1.5 mg/L under the EU standard. While safer than older-generation E2 panels, E1 still emits more formaldehyde than E0 or F★★★★, so you should use it wisely.

✅ Acceptable for less-sensitive spaces
✅ Better cost-performance than E0 or F★★★★
✅ Widely available and certified

E2: When to Consider This Grade

E2 grade panels allow formaldehyde emissions up to ≤5.0 mg/L. Although still within European compliance, this grade is only recommended for non-living or low-traffic areas like storerooms, garages, or utility cabinets. We generally do not advise E2 for bedrooms or children’s spaces because its emissions are higher.

✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Suitable for occasional-use spaces
✅ Available upon specific request

Evergreen’s Additional Safeguards

Besides choosing the right grade, Evergreen provides:

  • Third-party emission testing for every imported batch

  • 100% PUR edge banding to seal emissions at the edges

  • Optional ventilation designs with VOC filtering systems

  • A 10-year warranty on emission performance

These extra safeguards give you peace of mind, knowing your cabinets meet not only global certification, but also practical Malaysian living standards.

Which Grade Should You Choose?

✅ F★★★★: Best for any area, even nurseries
✅ E0: Highly safe, family-friendly, affordable
✅ E1: Acceptable for moderate-traffic areas
✅ E2: Only for non-living, storage spaces

Ready to Build Healthier Cabinets?

Evergreen believes Malaysian homeowners deserve built-in cabinets that are functional, stylish, and safe. That’s why we help you select the right certified materials, backed by clear third-party data and transparent testing.

If you wish to see these eco-friendly options in person, book a free consultation or drop by our showroom to compare samples. For even deeper insights on sustainable wood certification, you can also visit the Malaysian Timber Industry Board website.

Key Takeaways
✅ F★★★★: Premium, best overall
✅ E0: Safe and practical
✅ E1: General use
✅ E2: Non-living storage areas