In the perception of many people, mahogany furniture is seen as expensive and crafted using a traditional mortise-and-tenon structure, making it an eco-friendly choice. However, if substandard materials or non-standard production methods are used, environmental issues can still arise. Experts suggest that to ensure the environmental safety of mahogany furniture, it should be custom-made and monitored throughout the entire process, guaranteeing its eco-friendliness and reliability.
There is no such thing as absolutely environmentally friendly mahogany furniture. The industry has long debated whether mahogany furniture should be waxed or painted. In reality, few products on the market use completely natural materials, and even fewer brands follow traditional craftsmanship. With the rise of large-scale industrial production, many manufacturers prioritize profit over quality, leading to the absence of truly eco-friendly furniture. When purchasing, experts recommend observing from 5 meters away for overall design, 3 meters for style, and within 1 meter for material details.
Non-environmental auxiliary materials can also cause pollution. Recently, while shopping at a mahogany furniture brand, the sales representative claimed that the surface treatment uses paint or hot wax without environmental concerns. However, upon visiting the factory, it was observed that workers applied what looked like paint directly onto the furniture, which had a strong odor. This raised questions: Is mahogany furniture truly safe and pollution-free?
According to Sun Shudong, director of the Furniture Inspection Laboratory at the National Furniture and Indoor Environmental Quality Supervision and Inspection Center, there have been cases where environmental protection testing was required for mahogany furniture. As solid wood furniture, the testing method involves sampling parts of the furniture and analyzing them in standard air conditions. Formaldehyde is the main testing item, and so far, no unqualified results have been found. However, there are no specific tests for the paint or wax used in the furniture.
Mahogany furniture differs from regular solid wood or panel furniture. It typically uses a mortise-and-tenon structure with less glue, which reduces formaldehyde emissions. Under normal circumstances, it is considered environmentally friendly and reliable. However, industry insiders warn that the use of non-environmental materials during painting or waxing may compromise this.
"Paint and wax often contain harmful substances like benzene and heavy metals," Sun Shudong explained. "Benzene is volatile and difficult to detect in finished products." Heavy metals may remain on the furniture, and since there are few inspection items for finished furniture, the risk of harm cannot be ignored if the materials are not environmentally friendly.
The cost of eco-friendly materials is relatively high. During the production of mahogany furniture, many steps involve chemical accessories. Some furniture uses glue to compensate for loose joints caused by the mortise-and-tenon structure, and if low-quality urea-formaldehyde glue is used, it can increase the risk of environmental issues. Surface treatments usually involve painting or waxing, and if inferior industrial paint or wax is used, it can lead to pollution.
Zhang Zhengji, chairman of a well-known redwood company, explained that the traditional "big lacquer" technique used since the Ming Dynasty is very different from modern industrial lacquer. He described how natural lacquer is extracted from trees, refined through more than 20 water milling processes, and then carefully polished to penetrate the wood. This process is completely different from today’s industrial lacquer, which lacks the same level of craftsmanship and environmental benefits.
The materials used in big lacquer or hot wax processes vary significantly in quality and price. Lacquer can cost hundreds of yuan per kilogram, while industrial paint is much cheaper. Similarly, natural beeswax is far more expensive than paraffin-based alternatives. Sun Ying, general manager of Daqian Mahogany, noted that although the appearance of mahogany furniture from different brands may look similar, their prices can vary greatly. This often reflects differences in the quality of auxiliary materials like paint. While these differences may not be visible at first, poor-quality materials can lead to peeling, chipping, and potential health risks over time. Consumers are advised to ask about the materials used and consider testing when necessary to avoid exposure to harmful substances.
The big lacquer process is ideal for high-end furniture, such as red sandalwood or Huanghuali pieces. Due to its high cost and labor-intensive nature, it is typically reserved for premium products. Unfortunately, few brands currently offer this traditional craft, and many consumers are unaware of its value. (Editor: Peter)
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