Haworth · Office Chairs
Haworth Improve HE Used Office Chair R7760
Office chairs pose lower PFAS risk than treated textiles, but Haworth provides no transparency on fabric treatments.
The Haworth Improve HE is a standard ergonomic office chair with typical upholstery, foam, and metal components. Haworth does not disclose PFAS presence or absence in fabric treatments, finishes, or coatings.
Shop Haworth on Amazon →Material
Upholstered fabric, foam, metal frame, casters
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Improve HE uses upholstered fabric over polyurethane or polyether foam, with a metal frame and plastic casters. Polyurethane foam can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during early use, particularly in poorly ventilated spaces. The fabric itself is the primary exposure pathway; commercial-grade upholstery is typically solution-dyed or yarn-dyed rather than piece-dyed, which reduces dye contamination risk. Metal frames and casters present minimal chemical hazard unless plated with problematic finishes, which is not documented for Haworth office seating.
The brand's record and disclosure
Haworth publishes safety data sheets and complies with ANSI/BIFMA standards for office furniture, including flammability and chemical emissions testing. The company does not publicly disclose fabric treatment formulations (stain resistance, antimicrobial coatings) or PFAS use, which is a transparency gap for environmentally conscious buyers. No major recalls or safety violations are on record for the Improve series. Haworth holds some third-party certifications (GREENGUARD, Cradle to Cradle) for specific product lines, but certification status for the R7760 should be verified directly with the manufacturer.
How it compares in its category
Commercial office chairs from tier-1 manufacturers (Haworth, Herman Miller, Steelcase) generally undergo more rigorous emissions testing than budget alternatives, reducing off-gassing and contamination risk. The Improve HE is a mid-to-premium segment chair; cheaper office seating often uses lower-grade foam with higher VOC profiles and uncertified fabrics. Haworth's long market history and commercial customer base (offices, government agencies) creates implicit pressure to maintain safety standards, though this does not eliminate chemical disclosure gaps.
If you buy it
Unpack and place the chair in a well-ventilated space for 24-48 hours to allow initial off-gassing. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight for extended periods, which can degrade foam and fabric over time. Clean the upholstery only with manufacturer-approved products to avoid damaging stain treatments or fabric; aggressive solvents can compromise protective coatings. Inspect casters and metal joints every 1-2 years for wear; replace casters if wheels crack or show plastic degradation, as this can release microplastics.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
VOC off-gassing from polyurethane foam
New polyurethane foam commonly releases volatile organic compounds, particularly formaldehyde, during the first weeks of use. Haworth's use of commercial-grade foam and potential low-VOC formulations mitigates this, but specific material specs are not publicly disclosed for the R7760.
Azo dyes or heavy metal pigments in upholstery fabric
Haworth is unlikely to use restricted azo dyes or cadmium-based pigments in commercial upholstery, as these violate BIFMA and EU textile standards. No documented issues with the Improve line exist.
Plastic caster degradation and microplastic shedding
Office chair casters are typically polycarbonate or nylon blends that can crack or fragment under load. Haworth casters are reinforced but not immune; cracked plastic casters shed microplastics onto flooring and can be inhaled during chair movement.
Antimicrobial or stain-resistant fabric treatments (non-PFAS)
Haworth does not disclose whether the R7760 fabric uses quaternary ammonium compounds, triclosan, or other antimicrobial finishes, which can leach into air or skin contact over time. PFAS-free alternatives exist but are not confirmed for this model.
Formaldehyde in fabric resins or adhesives
Commercial office furniture is subject to California Title 24 and other indoor air standards that cap formaldehyde emissions. Haworth's GREENGUARD certification (if applicable to R7760) requires formal emissions testing, though no specific test results are publicly available.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 65% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
More office chairs grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.