Think tanks unite for world class furniture testing and emissions laboratory

The goal of the agreement is to construct a world-class product testing facility and garner expertise in regulations that will enable Vietnamese furniture manufacturers to expand to global markets.

“The Vietnamese furniture market is poised for tremendous global growth and QUATEST3 is an ideal partner for UL to erect a local laboratory,” said Alberto Uggetti, vice president and general manager at UL Environment. “Together, we can provide local testing to award certifications and conform to regulations, and act as an active bridge between global retailers and local Vietnamese suppliers.”

Under the leadership and management of QUATEST3, who brings extensive knowledge of the Vietnamese furniture market and a skilled workforce to the deal, the facility will feature UL’s world-class furniture testing equipment to demonstrate quality, durability, and strength.

The lab, which is slated to open in early 2017, will also feature environmental chambers to test hazardous chemical emissions from furniture, building materials, electronics, and formulated products.

According to Lam Hoang, director of QUATEST3, the new facility will give local manufacturers an advantage with convenient access to advanced testing facilities, and enable them to gain global competitiveness.

It will give manufacturers local access to testing in two critical areas: furniture durability and performance, which is critically important to demonstrate that products are of a high quality and meet the needs of the global furniture retail market. The second aspect is chemical emissions testing, which will help manufacturers meet increasingly stringent regulations on chemical exposure from products.

UL is a leading authority on chemical emissions testing and regulations, which includes California Air Resources Board (CARB) testing and certification, UL GREENGUARD Certification, and European regulations.