The artificial plant industry has been growing at exponential rates these past few years, and it’s currently valued at $1.18 billion.
It makes sense—artificial plants are a fantastic way to bring greenery into your home or workspace without the actual worries that plant maintenance brings. But not every artificial plant is worth its weight in gold.
Thanks to our decades-long experience, we’ve discovered that not all artificial plants are made equal.
If you’ve ever wondered why some fake plants look lush and last for years while others fade and fall apart, it all comes down to testing and the manufacturer/supplier reputation.
In this article, we’ll dive into why artificial plants need testing, how Designer Plants ensures top-tier quality, and what certifications to look for when choosing your next greenery.
Ready to see the behind-the-scenes?
Let’s get into it.
Why Do Artificial Plants Need Testing?
Artificial plants might not need water, but they do need rigorous testing.
Third-party and authoritative body tests help ensure that artificial plants meet international safety and durability standards. Just like with any product, you can’t have just anybody making them.
Without testing, consumers end up with toxic products, plants that fade under the Aussie sun in no time, or, worst of all, greenery that’s a fire hazard. Plus, testing ensures that artificial plants comply with regulations, making them safe to import and use worldwide.
Without proper testing, consumers could end up with products that:
- Contain harmful toxins like lead, mercury, or cadmium;
- Release dangerous off-gassing when exposed to heat;
- Fade or crack after a few months of outdoor exposure;
- Fail fire safety requirements and pose a hazard.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers cut corners and don’t pay as much attention to quality. Consequently, they use cheap materials that don’t hold up over time, skip rounds of testing, and just lie through their teeth.
And the people who buy from them are none the wiser, thinking that all marketable artificial plants meet specific requirements. This is not the case.
That’s why high-quality artificial plants undergo serious scrutiny – to prove their worth and justify their price tag.
How Does Designer Plants Test Artificial Plants?
At Designer Plants, we don’t just slap a “premium” label on our products and call it a day.
From the very beginning, we’ve been 100% focused on quality over quantity. Before we started our business, we spent years searching for the perfect manufacturer that could deliver the quality we expected.
In the beginning, most of the samples we ordered fell apart—literally. The leaves crumbled, the colour faded, and durability was just a pipe dream.
But after a long, long search, we found a blend we loved. Yet, that was only half the work done. Our chosen panels had to undergo rigorous testing before making it into our range.
We’ve continued doing this decades down the line. Today, our artificial plants undergo fierce assessments for UV resistance, toxicity, fire resistance, and durability in various environments.
Here’s a breakdown of how we ensure our greenery stays safe, strong, and stunning:
UV Resistance Testing
Australian summers are not for the weak-hearted, and the last thing you want is an artificial plant that turns from vibrant green to a sad blue within months, especially when you’ve bought it for its longevity.
Our plants have gone through over 5,000 hours of UV resistance testing to ensure they can withstand harsh sunlight in various areas of the world.
We also have real-life testers—our products are placed on beachfront properties, where they endure relentless sun exposure, salty air, and unpredictable weather. If they can survive there, they can survive anywhere.
Toxicity Testing
We’ve already mentioned that many cheap artificial plants contain nasty chemicals that can be harmful to humans and pets.
For example, lead, mercury and cadmium are used for colour stabilisation and pose significant health risks, including birth defects and respiratory issues.
Besides this, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released as off-gassing when plastics heat up, causing strong odours and potential toxicity to people breathing in the fumes.
To ensure our plants are safe for families and four-legged creatures, we prioritise RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance to prove that our plants are free from harmful substances.
We also proudly hold SGS certificates that showcase that our plants are safe for indoor and outdoor use.
Fire Resistance
Artificial plants can be many things, but a fire risk shouldn’t be one of them.
For some panels, we include an additional round of testing to adhere to international fire safety standards. Many of our products are treated with fire-resistant coatings, which helps prevent them from becoming a hazard in case of an accident.
While not all our panels are fire-resistant, you can ask for such protection as part of our customisation option.
Fire-resistant artificial plants are a must for businesses, hotels, and public spaces where safety regulations are strict. We adhere to NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), as no country-wide regulations exist in Australia.
Still, this feature helps our customers choose safe options for both residential and commercial settings.
Durability & Weather Resistance
Rain, wind, dust—outdoor artificial plants should be able to deal with it all. Our products undergo extreme weather testing to ensure they don’t crack, peel, or warp under harsh conditions.
We simulate long-term outdoor exposure with lab testing and real-world conditions to ensure our plants remain fresh year-round. Here’s what a report for a few samples looks like:
Plus, our proprietary blend of materials helps resist water damage and fading, which makes our faux vertical gardens suitable for all climates.
Which Certificates Should an Artificial Plant Supplier Possess?
If you’re looking for high-quality artificial plants, certifications matter.
Here are the key ones to check for before you decide to buy an artificial plant:
- SGS Certification: This badge ensures the plants are non-toxic and safe for use in homes and businesses.
- ISO Certification: These certificates demonstrate that quality management systems are in place.
- REACH Compliance: These guidelines prove the responsible use of chemicals in the manufacturing process.
- RoHS Compliance: These guidelines ensure that every product from the supplier is tested for and free from 10 toxic and restricted substances.
- Fire Safety Certification: These reports confirm that artificial greenery meets fire safety requirements.
- UV-Resistant Badge: This badge proves the plants won’t fade or deteriorate quickly under sunlight.
These certifications aren’t just fancy labels—they ensure that your artificial plants are safe, durable, and worth every dollar.
Conclusion
Testing is everything, especially for artificial plants.
At Designer Plants, we go the extra mile to ensure our products are UV-resistant, non-toxic, fire-safe, and built to last, and we put reports behind our claims.
So next time you’re shopping for artificial plants, look beyond appearances and check the quality behind the leaves. If you need any more advice, contact our team and we’ll be happy to share our knowledge with you.
