For the past 10 years we have been using UV acrylic varnishes that are hardened using UV lights (which results in no release of by-products). Unlike most other furniture manufacturers, our varnishes require no solvents.
All particleboard panels used for cabinetry meet the requirements of emissions grade E1 (for formaldehyde), meaning that they do not exceed the threshold value of 0.01 ppm set by the French Ministry of Health. Panels have been checked under current analysis and carry the CTBA certification dated January 2, 2006. Our particleboard contains no fungicides, biocides, heavy metals nor halogenated compounds.
In the case of finished products, all panels fall well below the prescribed limits of formaldehyde emissions, since they are veneered not only on both faces, but also on all four edges. We do not use PVC edging (difficult to recycle; emits toxic fumes when burnt).
For bedding purposes we use high-quality foams from Recticel, which are guaranteed CFC-free and certified CertiPUR (a mark created to establish a standard in terms of safety, hygiene and environment for this type of product). The allocation of this mark notably guarantees either the total absence of heavy metals, or their use within strict limits. Foams certified in this way will therefore emit no toxic substances during the course of their life.
We chose to work with foams bearing this mark for reasons of safety, hygiene and health both in our workshops and in the homes of our customers. This choice forms part of our on-going consideration of the social impact of our business. Finally, our foams are transported in 'camions-presse' in order to optimize the number of blocks that can be transported in each truck.
For a product to be awarded the CertiPUR mark, it must be submitted for testing by an independent laboratory and approved by Europur, which makes regular checks on the samples of foam supplied by each manufacturer. Europur can make spot checks at any time on products already on the market that bear the CertiPUR mark.
