Cutting boards

	The 97414 model from Easy measures 33x24cm. It is made of melamine and has a floral print.

Models feature slots for cutting implements and come with bowls. These are in wood, bamboo, melamine and tempered glass.

China suppliers are focusing on functional and safety improvements in their chopping boards.

Many of the latest releases boast slots for holding kitchen knives and scissors. These may also have a nonskid coating on the underside to ensure stability.

In addition, some companies offer products that come with stainless steel, glass or ceramic bowls for holding the chopped food.

For better safety, materials undergo sterilization during the production process. Makers are also releasing chopping boards optimized for specific use. These include versions for prepared and raw food, and types for vegetables, fish, meat and bread. This is to avoid the possibility of cross contamination.

Bamboo and wood models undergo carbonization, which allows better resistance to liquid absorption. These products commonly have a sectional construction that increases ventilation for reducing the chance of mildew formation. The design also adds strength and durability.

A number of suppliers are releasing models made of melamine. This material has inherent strength and durability that obviate the need for special coatings.

Certain products comply with the health requirements of organizations such as the FDA in the US. Some models boast high heat resistance in particular.

Bamboo and wood are the most commonly used materials. The latter is available in different types, including evergreen chinquapin, lotus, maple, acacia and beechwood. Bamboo, however, makes up the majority of output.

Some chopping boards made of melamine or tempered glass are dishwasher-safe.

The 97412 and 97413 models from Easy Melamineware Co. Ltd come in durable and stain-resistant melamine. These incorporate handles for greater convenience.

Melamine designs from Fujian Conic Melamine Products Co. Ltd meet EEC and FDA requirements.

For added visual interest, the company's 10000 model has a strawberry print, while the 10001 model features a sunflower motif. Both products can withstand a maximum of 180 C.

The latest chopping boards from Vigour Home Products Co. Ltd come with stainless steel bowls for the sliced food. This is in line with growing demand for products that have expanded capability.

The company's VCB19-1 model is a 45.7x30.5x3.2cm chopping board made of bamboo. It is shipped with a stainless steel bowl and priced at $7.97.

	Fujian Conic offers the 10001 model, which is made of heat- and stain-resistant melamine. It measures 23.5x14.3x2.2cm.

Most makers use locally procured materials, which possess sufficient quality and low cost. Bestmarket Home Products (Xiamen) Inc., for example, purchases bamboo from Fujian province.

The company offers a range of chopping boards in this material, including the T00858 model, which measures 28x28x2cm.

Going further, Wuyuan Wonderful Wood & Bamboo Industry Co. Ltd has established its own raw material base within Jianxi province. This allows stringent monitoring to ensure products comply with various international standards.

Chopping boards account for 90 percent of the output at Wuyuan Wonderful. The company's products are tested by SGS.

A number of suppliers, however, source from other provinces or even import their materials for higher quality.

To increase interest in the line, most makers have strengthened the capability of their product development teams. Easy, for example, releases about 2,000 models each year.

The R&D team at Ningbo Oulin Kitchen Furniture Co. Ltd focuses on buyer-specified chopping boards.