In 2014, the wooden door hardware industry in China found itself at a crossroads, facing growing pressure to align with environmental protection goals. As the country intensified its efforts in energy conservation and green development, the need for improved technical equipment, products, and services became more urgent than ever. The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development was preparing to introduce a mandatory standard for building energy efficiency in October, as part of broader measures to accelerate the growth of the energy-saving and environmental protection sector. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai had already taken the lead by implementing their own local standards.
However, the wooden door industry was struggling with declining product quality, largely due to the influence of real estate developers. These developers often prioritized cost over quality, leading to lower-grade wooden doors being used in construction. “As long as the developer opened the house, it would sell out quickly,†said one industry insider. This created little incentive to focus on quality, as developers aimed to cut costs and maximize profits. As a result, the wooden door market faced a cycle of low-quality products and shrinking margins.
Moreover, the lack of effective industry standards and proper regulation further exacerbated the issue. While some local governments had set up guidelines, these were not widely enforced or adopted. Many testing procedures were superficial, with only sample doors being inspected. Meanwhile, inspection agencies often operated under close ties with developers, making it difficult to ensure compliance. In reality, many wooden doors installed in buildings failed to meet energy-saving requirements.
Despite these challenges, the future of the wooden door industry looked promising, especially as green and low-carbon solutions gained traction. Xu Luoyan, an industry expert, noted that consumer awareness was rising, and both real estate companies and buyers were becoming more concerned about product quality. With environmental issues becoming a major societal concern, the government’s push for sustainability created new opportunities for eco-friendly wooden door products.
Developers now needed to differentiate themselves in a competitive market, offering higher-quality materials that could justify higher construction costs. Consumers, too, were more discerning, demanding better quality and more personalized options. This shift meant that developers who invested in superior products could still attract buyers willing to pay a premium.
To address the industry's deep-rooted problems, collaboration and resource integration were essential. Simply relying on government policies or individual company efforts would not be enough. Initiatives like the establishment of "Wooden Gate City" aimed to create a platform for industry cooperation, improving supply chain efficiency and fostering dialogue around standards. Regular exhibitions and discussions helped raise awareness and build social support for energy-efficient wooden doors.
With increasing environmental pressures and growing public acceptance of low-carbon lifestyles, the wooden door industry stood at the threshold of a new era. Energy-saving and emission-reduction strategies would become central to its development, opening up fresh opportunities for innovation and growth.
China Searun Solar Solution Co., Ltd. , https://www.srsolarlights.com