Environmental certification system for WPC panels (latest in 2026)
WPC board, as a representative of green building materials, has formed a complete framework of environmental certification system covering international, national, and industry standards. Especially in industrial clusters such as Linyi in Shandong, enterprises generally use multiple certifications as the entry threshold for entering high-end markets and export trade.
International mainstream environmental certification
Cradle to Cradle Certified ® (C2C, from cradle to cradle)
The world's most stringent sustainable product certification system evaluates five dimensions: material health, recyclability, renewable energy use, water resource management, and social equity. Dematic and other companies have passed this certification, marking the transition of WPC products from "low pollution" to "positive ecological contribution" stage.
CE certification (EU Building Materials CPR Regulation)
Mandatory market access certification, based on the EN 15534 series standards (such as EN 15534-1, EN 15534-2) for physical performance and hazardous substance testing. WPC boards exported to the EU must pass CE certification and be labeled with the certification mark.
Formaldehyde emission: ≤ 0.124 mg/m ³ (E1 grade, EN 717-1）
Heavy metal limits: Pb ≤ 90 mg/kg, Cd ≤ 75 mg/kg (EN 71-3)
Fire rating: at least reaching level E (EN 13501-1)
ASTM D7031/D7032 (American Standard)
The performance testing standards for wood plastic materials commonly used in the North American market cover indicators such as mechanics, weather resistance, and water absorption, and are often used in conjunction with CARB certification.
CARB certification (California Air Resources Board)
The strictest formaldehyde emission standards in the United States are divided into Phase 1 (0.09 ppm) and Phase 2 (0.05 ppm). Starting from 2026, all WPC products exported to the United States must comply with Phase 2 requirements.
China National Compulsory and Recommended Certification
Green Product Evaluation of Wood Plastic Products GB/T 35612-2024
Formally implemented on January 1, 2025, it is China's first national level green product evaluation standard for wood plastic products. It constructs a full life cycle evaluation system from five dimensions: resources, energy, environment, quality, and low-carbon, and is the core basis for the current high-end market and government procurement in China.
The source of wood fiber needs to be traceable
VOC emission limit is stricter than E0 level
Request to provide a carbon footprint accounting report
China Environmental Labeling Certification (Ten Ring Certification)
Certified by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in accordance with HJ/T 304-2006 "Technical Requirements for Environmental Labeling Products - Wood Plastic Products", the focus is on controlling the addition ratio of formaldehyde, heavy metals, and plant fibers (≥ 35%). Although released in 2015, it is still a "passport" for enterprises to participate in green procurement and government procurement.
GB/T 24508-2020 "Wood Plastic Flooring"
The industry basic performance standards, which specify technical parameters such as density, static flexural strength, and water absorption expansion rate, are the legal basis for enterprise production and testing, and are often used in conjunction with GB/T 35612-2024.
Visualization of authentication identification
The above figures are: CE certification mark, China Green Product Certification (GB/T 35612-2024) mark, Cradle to Cradle certification mark, and China Environmental Labeling (Ten Rings) certification mark.
Local Enterprise Certification Practice in Linyi
As the core base of China's WPC industry, leading enterprises such as Shandong Yiju New Materials and Linyi Chendong have generally achieved "dual certification" coverage in Linyi, Shandong
Domestic market: Passed GB/T 35612-2024 green product certification+ten ring certification
Export market: Simultaneously obtaining CE, CARB, and ASTM certifications
High end customization: Some companies have initiated C2C certification applications as a basis for brand premium and green finance financing
Certification Trends and Challenges
Trend:
Upgrading from "compliance certification" to "value certification" (such as C2C, carbon labeling)
Digital authentication (blockchain traceability) is gradually being applied to raw material traceability and testing report management
Green finance policies promote certification linked to loan interest rates
Challenge:
The cost of certification for small and medium-sized enterprises is high (with a single CE certification fee exceeding 50000 yuan)
Consumers have a vague understanding of "green certification", and market education still needs to be strengthened
Some "pseudo environmentally friendly" products use certification labels to mislead procurement, and supervision needs to be strengthened
The environmental certification of WPC panels is not only a technical threshold, but also a strategic asset for enterprises to participate in the global green supply chain. Driven by the "dual carbon" goal, the certification system is evolving from an "entry threshold" to a "value creation engine".