Many people can relate to the smell that lingers in the air in a new home, or long after home renovations have taken place. This is the result of high amounts of air-borne chemical pollutants, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde that is emitted from building products such as carpets, furniture and paint. In 2004, an article in The Consumer – a publication by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) – shared how such chemical pollutants cause poor indoor air quality which may lead to headaches, fatigue and respiratory irritation. For sensitive individuals, acute exposure can result in more severe sick building syndrome and lead to serious health complications. Specifically for formaldehyde, it can cause deterioration to long-term health especially for young children who have weaker immune systems. Additionally in 2004, World Health Organization announced that studies suggest that formaldehyde causes cancer.

According to European Standard EN 13986 for use in construction, the level of formaldehyde emission is classified into four categories – E2, E1, E0 and Super E0 (E2≤5.0mg/L，E1≤1.5mg/L，E0≤0.5mg/L, Super E0≤0.2mg/L). In Europe and Japan where strict formaldehyde standards are imposed, only E1 and above wood panels are approved for use. Unfortunately in Singapore, with low awareness towards the harmful effects of VOCs and formaldehyde, and with no formaldehyde standards enforced, consumers are at risk of purchasing furniture made from E2 grade materials, which will certainly be detrimental to health.

In response to health concerns relating to the emission of chemicals from building products, Ewins is pleased to introduce puraviā’s collection of furniture made from powder coated Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) panels that is equivalent to European Standard’s Super E0 grade of VOC-emissions. The technology used to create these panels has achieved an international patent from Japan. Choosing these furniture is one of the most effective ways to protect the workers who produce these furniture during renovation works; and most importantly, the end user in the long run against harmful chemicals.

“With rising standards of living and greater awareness on environmental issues, consumers these days tend to opt for green products or products that are produced in a sustainable manner. We believe that the new puraviā range of furniture made with low or zero formaldehyde emission materials will provide homeowners not just sustainably produced furniture, but also healthier options when shopping for new furniture.”, said Mr. Mark Yong, Marketing Director of Ewins Pte Ltd. “

THE HEALTHIER CHOICE
Puraviā – which means ‘pure life’ – relates to how consumers are now more health conscious than ever. Puraviā’s non-toxic furniture is made from powder-coated MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard) panels. The process of powder-coating puts the material through a 250-degree Celsius heat treatment which kills bacteria and removes most of the formaldehyde within the wood material. Additionally, the wood is encapsulated by the protective powder coating that minimise emissions of any formaldehyde residue and prevents bacterial growth.

DURABLE
The layer of strong powder-coating also prevents delamination and improves the wood panel’s resistance to scratch, abrasion and moisture.

HIGH DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
With powder-coating, there are no limits in achieving unique colours and texture such as embossed finishes.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY
Unlikely other wood finishes, Puraviā’s powder-coated MDF wood are produced using an environmentally-friendly production technology that does not require any water consumption or result in waste material; all powder is recyclable during production.

Puraviā’s range of non-toxic furniture which includes sofas, storage cabinets, tables and chairs are now available at Gain City Megastore @ Sungei Kadut, level 3.

As part of the showcase, homeowners can also expect to see wardrobe and sliding systems by raumplus – a leading manufacturer from Germany; extendable table by Atim from Italy and natural solid wood furniture by Legnatec and Hirata from Japan.