Indoor air quality: 81% of French people support mandatory furniture labeling

Limiting formaldehyde emissions is becoming a regulatory and industrial challenge for manufacturers of wood panels, furniture, and interior fittings. Since August 6, 2026, entry 77 of Annex XVII of the European REACH regulation sets new conditions for placing these products on the market.

This development comes as an OpinionWay study for Evertree reveals a strong demand for information on substances that may be emitted by furniture. This second wave, following an initial survey conducted in 2022, was carried out online on April 29 and 30, 2026, among 1.006 people representative of the French population aged 18 and over, using the quota sampling method.

This is a particularly strong concern among young adults.

According to an OpinionWay survey for Evertree, 74% of French people say they are concerned about indoor air quality in the places they frequent. This proportion reaches 79% among women and 92% among people aged 18 to 24.

This result covers various enclosed spaces, including transport, offices, shops, restaurants, and homes. Specifically, 43% of respondents expressed concern about air quality in their homes.

Furniture, however, is less frequently identified as a source of indoor pollution than cleaning products, paints, candles, or floor coverings. Only 24% of respondents cited them among the main potential sources.

The composition of the furniture is becoming a purchasing criterion.

Beyond price, 81% of respondents consider the toxicity of components—paints, solvents, or resins—an important criterion when buying furniture. This rate exceeds those associated with French manufacturing, cited by 74% of respondents, and environmental impact, mentioned by 70%.

Durability, quality, and comfort remain the top criteria, with 94% of respondents considering each important. Design and aesthetics come next, at 88%.

The survey also highlights expectations regarding the supply chain and production conditions:

• 72% consider it important that raw materials come from European countries;
• 72% consider manufacturing conditions important;
• 70% take into account the use of renewable resources;
• 67% say they are willing to pay more for furniture that does not emit toxic substances into their home.

For furniture manufacturers and brands, these results suggest that product composition and indoor air quality can become differentiating factors, just like origin, quality or environmental footprint.

Strong demand for emissions labelling

According to the study, 81% of French people want to make it mandatory to label furniture products according to their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), compared to 19% who prefer an optional system.

Article L. 221-10 of the Environmental Code provides that construction and furniture products, as well as wall and floor coverings, paints and varnishes emitting substances into the ambient air, are subject to an obligation to label their emissions of volatile pollutants[1].

While labeling has been applied to construction and decoration products since 2012, its implementation for furniture products remains contingent on the necessary regulations. The survey therefore focuses on the practical application of a principle already enshrined in law.

More broadly, 76% of respondents believe that public authorities are not doing enough to combat the use of toxic products in furniture manufacturing. Furthermore, 89% feel they have little reliable information on indoor air quality.

REACH now limits formaldehyde emissions

Since August 6, 2026, the European REACH regulation prohibits the placing on the market of furniture and wood-based articles when their formaldehyde emissions exceed 0,062 mg/m³, according to the test conditions provided for by the European text[2].

This restriction directly affects manufacturers of wood panels and furniture. Formaldehyde can originate, in particular, from the adhesive resins used to bond the fibers or particles that make up the panels.

For the industry, the challenge lies in adapting formulations and industrial processes while maintaining mechanical performance, production rates, and cost control. This transition is also taking place in an environment marked by the volatility of fossil fuel raw materials, rising energy costs, and supply chain tensions.

Plant-based adhesives offered as an alternative

Evertree, the study's sponsor, has been developing plant-based adhesives for the manufacture of wood panels since 2016. The company presents these solutions as an alternative to petroleum-based resins containing formaldehyde.

According to Evertree, its bio-based adhesives would allow:

• to reduce the carbon footprint of resins by up to 80%;
• to use French agricultural resources;
• to maintain mechanical performance compatible with current production lines;
• to comply with REACH restrictions applicable since August 2026 and E0.5 requirements relating to formaldehyde.

These performance figures are provided by the company and should be assessed according to the formulations, the panels manufactured, the industrial conditions and the evaluation methods used.

“For a long time, formaldehyde-free alternatives were seen as solutions of the future; today they are operational industrial solutions. Panel and furniture manufacturers must meet regulatory challenges and consumer expectations. Our adhesives allow them to reconcile these challenges, while controlling their costs and securing the supply of their raw materials,” says Pierre Tabbagh, CEO of Evertree.

[1] Article L. 221-10 of the Environmental Code relating to the labelling of volatile pollutant emissions from construction, furniture and decoration products.

[2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 of 14 July 2023 amending Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation concerning formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances.