Chinese furniture officials worry about foam quality

Promote use of ‘pure foam'

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 15, 2009

SHANGHAI, China — More than 100 industry professionals gathered here in August to discuss issues affecting furniture manufacturers and suppliers in China at a forum organized by real estate developer CBN China, the China National Furniture Assn. and foam producer Sinomax.

Among the topics covered was the quality of materials used in foam products. Of concern to some manufacturers was the use of low quality foam produced with stone powder.

Quin Hongxiang, a general manager with Sinomax (Zhejiang) Kuka Foam Ltd., criticized companies that use low-grade materials in foam production. While it may reduce the cost of the finished good, he said, such materials will cause quality problems and damage a brand's reputation.

He and others encouraged the use of "pure foam" over foam mixed with stone powder and other low grade materials. Sinomax officials made a presentation that teaches suppliers and manufacturers how to differentiate between pure foam and low grade materials.

Officials also discussed the possible use of labeling that indicates a piece of upholstery contains pure foam.