Compliant Artificial Leather | Fire Retardant Upholstery

EN 1021-1 & 2

High-performance fire-retardant upholstery solutions designed for the European contract furniture market.

What is the EN 1021 Standard ?

Understanding Ignition Source Assessment for Upholstered Furniture

The EN 1021 standard (BS EN 1021) is the European benchmark for assessing the ignitability of upholstered furniture. It is crucial for ensuring safety in public spaces, offices, and hospitality environments.

EN 1021-1 (Smouldering Cigarette Test):

Simulates a smouldering cigarette placed on the furniture.

EN 1021-2 (Match Flame Test):

Simulates a gas flame equivalent to a match burning for 15 seconds.

Our Promise: Caiwing Leather’s specialized formulas ensure our PU, PVC, and Microfiber leathers pass these rigorous tests without compromising on texture or durability.

Download Standard Guide

EN 1021-1 & 2 Standard

Test Method & Process

Step 1:

Sample Assembly & Conditioning

The artificial leather sample is conditioned for at least 24 hours in a controlled environment (23°C ± 2°C, 50% ± 5% RH). It is then mounted onto a standard test rig using combustion-modified high resilience (CMHR) foam, simulating a seat and back arrangement to replicate real-world furniture geometry.

Step 2:

EN 1021-1 Cigarette Test

A standardized smouldering cigarette (Ignition Source 0) is placed in the junction between the seat and back cushions. The test observes for any progressive smouldering or flaming ignition. The material must withstand the heat without escalating into a fire for the duration of the cigarette's combustion.

Step 3:

EN 1021-2 Match Test

A butane gas flame (Ignition Source 1), equivalent to a burning match, is applied to the crevice for exactly 15 seconds. This tests the leather's ability to resist ignition from a naked flame.

Step 4:

Final Assessment

After the ignition source is removed, the material is inspected. To pass, the flame must self-extinguish within 120 seconds (for Part 2), and there should be no evidence of flame spread to the edges or through the full thickness of the sample.

Compliant Product Solutions

Download Full Catalog

Why Choose Our EN 1021-1 & 2 Compliant Leather?

Eco-Conscious Formulation

We are committed to sustainable development. Our EN 1021 series products utilize eco-friendly flame retardants, comply with REACH and RoHS environmental regulations, and are free from heavy metals and harmful chemicals. This not only ensures flame-retardant safety during fires but also guarantees no release of harmful volatile substances during daily use. We provide users with a safe and healthy indoor air environment, aligning with global green procurement trends.

Performance Synergy

Many flame-retardant materials often compromise leather's physical properties, but our advanced formulation process ensures exceptional flame resistance without sacrificing abrasion resistance or tear strength. Our EN 1021 series synthetic leather is specifically engineered for high-traffic commercial environments. Not only is it fire-resistant, but it also withstands prolonged daily wear and tear, significantly extending the lifespan of finished furniture and reducing maintenance costs for end customers.

Uncompromised Aesthetics

Breaking the stereotype that traditional flame-retardant leather feels stiff and unnatural. We've optimized our surface coating technology, ensuring that our EN 1021-certified synthetic leather retains the soft, supple feel and rich textural details of genuine leather. Whether it's delicate lambskin grain or rugged alligator texture, designers no longer need to compromise between aesthetic appeal and safety standards. This perfectly meets the design demands of high-end upholstered furniture.

Strict Compliance

Our products undergo rigorous testing by third-party authoritative laboratories to ensure consistent and stable compliance with EN 1021-1 (cigarette test) and EN 1021-2 (match test). This means the synthetic leather you purchase fully meets EU flame-retardant safety regulations for furniture in public spaces such as hotels, offices, hospitals, and theaters.