Designing Healthier Homes: The Importance of E0 Low-Formaldehyde Carpentry

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Most of us spend the majority of our lives indoors—at home, work, or social spaces like cafes and cinemas. While we often seek fresh air outside, how often do we think about the air quality within our own spaces? The truth is, the materials used in construction and renovation have a direct impact on our health, often in ways we don’t immediately realize.

When we think about good indoor air quality, we think about designing cross-ventilation and having air purifiers. However, what we tend to ignore is that some of the construction materials used may not be as health-conscious (for example, the rampant use of carcinogenic asbestos-based construction materials, until the ban in the late 1990s).

With advancements in research and technology, we now understand the long-term health risks of indoor air pollutants—and have a responsibility to make better choices. Recognizing this, the Singapore government has taken action: starting January 1, 2026, the National Environment Agency (NEA) will ban formaldehyde in indoor-use paints to improve indoor air quality. (Source : National Environment Agency Singapore)

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The knowledge that our construction materials affect indoor air quality more than we expected, in addition to the requirement by the Singapore government, is creating a ripple effect. Construction materials and interior finishes companies start advocating their products to be low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC, a form of formaldehyde).

One of these companies is the plywood suppliers for carpentry work. Plywood is one of our primary sources of base material used indoors. Hence, understanding the base material used is as important as the finishes (laminate, veneer, or paint). The most common use of plywood is in the carpentry work such as tables, cabinets, wardrobes, etc.  

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What Is E0 Grade Carpentry?

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When we talk about low formaldehyde plywood, the most commonly used benchmark in the market is Europe standards implemented since 1985. This standard is referred to as Grade E0-E4 Plywood. As shown in the table above, the higher the grade (ascending numerically), the higher the formaldehyde emission is.

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Grade E0 boards emit the least amount of formaldehyde emission (less than 0.5mg/l of formaldehyde, making them the safest option for indoor air quality), followed by Grade E1 (≤ 1.5mg/l, widely used indoor by Europe market), and then by Grade E2 onwards (≤ 5.0mg/l or more, widely used in our market domestically). Compared to standard E1 boards, E0 minimizes long-term VOC exposure — ideal for families with kids or elderly parents.

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Choosing low-formaldehyde plywood is essential—not just for comfort, but for health. Formaldehyde exposure can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, throat, and respiratory system, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a human carcinogen.

See how our real-life job sites measure near-zero HCHO levels — proof that our E0 carpentry is more than just a promise. Watch full video on our Instagram @loren_ng_designs

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Why Low Formaldehyde Matters in Singapore Homes.

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In land-scarce Singapore, many homeowners live in compact spaces—from BTO flats and HDB units to condominiums and terrace homes with limited ventilation. In such enclosed environments, the air quality inside your home plays a much bigger role in your family's health than most people realize.

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Traditional carpentry materials often release formaldehyde, a VOC (volatile organic compound) that can accumulate in still air over time—especially in small rooms with limited airflow. Prolonged exposure may lead to headaches, respiratory issues, and is a bigger concern for children, elderly, or those with allergies.

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While E0-grade plywood is ideal from a health perspective due to its minimal formaldehyde emissions, material selection isn’t just about safety — it’s also about technical performance.

Formaldehyde levels are directly linked to the type of adhesive and chemical bonding agents used in plywood manufacturing. Since E0 boards use alternative, low-emission adhesives compared to E1 boards, this can influence tensile and compressive strength. Depending on the bonding composition, E0 plywood may behave differently under load or pressure.

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That’s why at Loren Ng Designs, we don’t simply default to one grade — we strategically match materials to their intended use, considering strength, durability, and indoor air quality as a whole. Our approach ensures that every cabinet, panel, and partition is safely built with purpose. That’s also why we prioritize sustainable, low-formaldehyde materials such as E0 plywood whenever possible — especially in bedrooms and living areas, where we spend the most time.

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At Loren Ng Designs, we believe that great design should never come at the expense of health. Our spaces should nurture us, not expose us to harmful materials.

As technology advances, we no longer have to choose between aesthetics and well-being—we can have both.

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Our goal is to create interiors that are not only beautiful, functional, but also truly safe for the people who live in them.

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