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Skip to content When it comes to kitchen and joinery cabinetry, not all melamine or particle board is made equal. One of the biggest differences between boards is the level of formaldehyde emissions. This impacts not just the quality of the material but also the health and safety of your home or workspace.
Below, we explain the different grades of melamine/particle board – E0, E1 and E2 – and why it pays to choose better quality board for your cabinetry.
Formaldehyde is a chemical used in adhesives that bind wood particles together in particle board and MDF (medium-density fibreboard). All boards release some level of formaldehyde gas over time. However, higher quality boards are made using low-emission glues and stricter manufacturing processes.
Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen, and ongoing exposure to high levels can irritate eyes, nose and throat. That’s why it’s important to consider formaldehyde emissions when choosing cabinetry materials, especially for indoor use.
Emission Class | Formaldehyde Emission Limit (mg/l) | Formaldehyde Emission Limit (ppm)* |
E0 | Less than or equal to 0.5 | Less than or equal to 0.041 |
E1 | Less than or equal to 1.0 | Less than or equal to 0.08 |
E2 | Less than or equal to 2.0 | Less than or equal to 0.16 |
E3 | Greater than 2.0 | Greater than 0.16 |
E0 Board (Super Low Emission)
E0 boards have extremely low emissions and are the safest option for indoor air quality. They meet the strictest international standards and are often used in schools, hospitals, and homes where air quality matters.
E2 Board (Low Emission)
E1 is the most commonly used board in New Zealand and Australia. It is considered acceptable under most building codes,
E2 Board (High Emission)
E2 boards are significantly higher in emissions. These are rarely recommended for indoor use and are often found in low-cost imported furniture or older joinery.
Workplace Exposure Limits
Indoor Air Quality Regulations
International Standards
Common International Benchmark
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