Environment Aspects
Our Commitment to Eco-Friendly Kitchen Solutions
- 40,800 SQM Solar Powerplant (production without CO2 emissions)
- Overcompensation of the emissions related to the shipment
- F 4-stars Compliance (Strictest formaldehyde emissions standard)
- REACH Compliance (No toxic elements in the coating)
- GREEN GUARD Certification & EPA Compliance (VOC emissions control)
- FSC Certification (Responsible use & 100% Recycled Timber)
- ISO 14001 Certification (Environmental Management System)
The Importance of a Sustainable Kitchen
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is closely tied to health and is therefore recognized as an important concern in homes, schools, healthcare environments and commercial spaces. Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from building materials and furnishings are a major source of indoor air pollution. Exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse in people who have asthma or are sensitive to chemicals. VOCs particularly affect indoor air quality and can be toxic at high concentration or prolonged exposition.
One of the most known VOC, is formaldehyde a substance used in the production of many adhesives and resins, used in the processing of wood panels. The first legislation to regulate formaldehyde emission was the European UNI 13986 which adopted the E classifications (from E1 to E4), stating that only category E1 (0.124 mg/cbm of air) was acceptable for domestic use. The most stringent government standard is the JIS A 1460 (Japanese Industry Standard), whose category F4stars (les than 0.3 mg/litre of air) is the one required for domestic use.
The so-called “E0” and the most recent “E Super 0” are not Internationally certified standard classes, rather definitions adopted by some producers and associations (like the Australian EWPAA) to specify products whose emissions are lower than E1 class. More specifically, “E0” limit should be “less than or equal to 0.5 mg / liter” and “E Super0” limit “less than or equal to 0.3 mg / liter” (which corresponds to the Japanese “F4Star”). However, the testing process is not internationally verified.
Made in Italy manufacturer CucineLube only uses structure panels certified “F 4 stars”, with a formaldehyde emission which is “less than or equal to 0.3 mg / liter”.
For references, please check
http://www.nicnas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/4389/PEC_28_Formaldehyde_Full_Report_PDF.pdf (page 240 – JIS classification F1 star – F4 stars)
http://www.ewp.asn.au/library/downloads/ewpaa_formaldehyde_facts.pdf (page 5 – E0 – E3 classification by EWPAA / NP/LVL standards)
CUCINELUBE is the first kitchen producer in Europe to have achieved the UL GREENGUARD Gold Certificate, as reported on UL website. Such an award, together with the compliance to the F4stars, certifies that our kitchens meet stringent chemical emissions limits and stand out as contributing to better indoor environmental quality. Our products indeed assure extremely low emission of VOC from both joinery structures (already compliant with the JIS F4stars) and lacquering coating
GREENGUARD certification is a rigorous, scientific process of testing products for harmful VOCs in line with international standards and the highest ethical principles for health and safety. The GREENGUARD Gold certification standard goes one step further ensuring that VOCs used in manufacture of products have lower emission levels for safe use in sensitive environments, such as schools and healthcare facilities.
Low VOCs emissions are becoming mandatory in many government projects around the world. GREENGUARD Certification Program has been widely adopted worldwide as a trusted standard for low-emitting products. In USA, more than 400 green building codes, standards, guidelines, procurements policies, and rating systems give credit for GREENGUARD Certified products: to quote a few, the U.S. EPA (United States Environment Protection Agency), the state of Washington, the CDPH (California Department of Public Health).