Workbench VOC documents
Comprehensive emissions testing and documentation to support healthier workplaces and greener building certifications.
Our VOC documentation demonstrates our commitment to transparency, providing clients with detailed insights into the air quality performance of our furniture, from initial testing to final certification.
What is VOC Testing, and Why Does It Matter
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, acting as air pollutants. They're found in many building materials and furnishings—including adhesives, paints, coatings, composite wood, and upholstery. While some VOCs have a noticeable smell (like that "new furniture" scent), others are odourless, making exposure less obvious.
Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, and eye or throat irritation. Long-term exposure has been linked to respiratory conditions and even certain cancers, particularly from formaldehyde.
VOC testing measures how much of these compounds a product emits over time in a controlled environment. For the furniture industry, this testing serves as a powerful tool to:
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Quantify emissions and identify potential health risks
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Demonstrate compliance with indoor air quality standards
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Support sustainable design and healthier workplace environments
The importance of VOC testing lies in its ability to protect building occupants and provide the data needed to make informed, responsible specification decisions.
Workbench's Commitment to Air Quality & Transparency
At Workbench, healthier workplaces have always been a core value. But we believe transparency is the foundation of meaningful change. That's why we've produced detailed VOC test reports for our products, tested by Eurofins—the world's largest laboratory for VOC chamber emissions testing.
Here's what sets Workbench apart in the world of VOC documentation:
Rigorous Third-Party Testing
All Workbench products are tested by Eurofins, a UKAS-accredited laboratory, using internationally recognised methods such as:
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EN 16516 – European standard for VOC emissions from building products
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ISO 16000 series – Global standards ensuring consistent and accurate testing
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CDPH Standard Method v1.2 – Widely used in North America for indoor air quality
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ANSI/BIFMA e3 – Furniture-specific sustainability and emissions criteria
Complete Emissions Disclosure
We don't just provide snapshots of emissions. Our reports offer a comprehensive breakdown of:
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TVOC (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) – Overall emissions detected
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Individual VOCs – Specific compounds like formaldehyde, with concentration levels clearly stated
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Testing timepoints – Emissions measured at multiple intervals (e.g., 3, 7, and 28 days) to capture both early off-gassing and long-term performance
Certification-Ready Documentation
Our VOC reports are designed to align directly with the requirements of leading green building standards, including WELL, LEED, and BREEAM. This means specifiers can confidently use Workbench furniture to contribute toward indoor air quality credits without needing to interpret complex or non-standardised data.
Key Benefits of Using Workbench VOC Documents
By specifying Workbench products with VOC documentation, architects, designers, and procurement professionals can deliver projects that prioritise occupant health and align with the highest standards of sustainability.
Meeting Global Standards
Our VOC testing meets global standards, making Workbench products ideal for projects pursuing certifications such as:
Enhanced Decision Making
With detailed emissions data at your fingertips, you gain the clarity to choose furniture that balances design, performance, and health. This adds tangible weight to your sustainability credentials and ensures your projects align with modern indoor air quality priorities.
Build Confidence with Clients
When clients demand healthier workplaces and environmental responsibility, having VOC-backed products communicates your dedication to occupant wellbeing. Our clear documentation allows you to actively demonstrate compliance and care.
BREEAM
Support the "Hea 02: Indoor Air Quality" credit with third-party test reports aligned with EN 16516.
LEED
Fulfil the "EQc2: Low-Emitting Materials" credit under the Indoor Environmental Quality category with furniture tested to ANSI/BIFMA e3 or CDPH standards.
WELL
Meet "Feature A04: VOC Reduction" requirements with test reports that map directly to accepted methods, demonstrating commitment to healthier indoor environments.
Third-Party Verification & Rigorous Standards
Our VOC testing has been independently conducted and verified by Eurofins, aligned with globally recognised frameworks:
EN 16516
European standard for measuring VOC emissions from construction products, ensuring long-term reliability.
ISO 16000 Series
International standards that set the backbone for consistent, accurate VOC chamber testing.
CDPH Standard Method v1.2
North American standard designed specifically for occupied environments, contributing to WELL and LEED compliance.
Third-party verification reinforces credibility, ensuring our commitments to healthier indoor air quality are backed by scientific accuracy and accountability.
How to Access Workbench's VOC Documents
Getting started with Workbench's VOC resources is simple. We've made these documents accessible to ensure convenience and maintain our core focus on transparency.
Steps to Access:
Visit Our Sustainability Page
Find detailed information on our commitment to healthier workplaces and access VOC test reports for specific products.
Download the VOC documents you require by speaking to our team
From meeting tables to bespoke furniture pieces, each product's VOC documentation can be sent to you directly by our team.
Each decision to incorporate Workbench furniture supports broader goals like reducing harmful emissions, improving occupant wellbeing, and promoting transparency in the supply chain.
Our Achievements So Far Include:
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Testing all standard products with Eurofins to internationally recognised VOC standards
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Providing certification-ready documentation for WELL, LEED, and BREEAM submissions
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Continuously refining our material selection and manufacturing processes to reduce emissions
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Designing products that support healthier, more productive work environments
Partners in Design
VOC testing has redefined how the industry views indoor air quality, and Workbench is proud to lead the way. By offering comprehensive, third-party-verified VOC documentation, we invite you to explore a new level of transparency and environmental accountability.
Whether you're an architect building for LEED certification, a designer creating healthier interiors, or simply someone prioritising occupant wellbeing in every project, Workbench is here to help.