Sedus · Office Chairs
Herman Miller Setu Chair
Lower concern; standard office chair with no known PFAS-prone materials, but no public commitment from brand.
The Setu Chair uses common office furniture materials, polypropylene, aluminum, and textile upholstery, that do not inherently require PFAS coatings. Herman Miller (the designer, though this is listed as Sedus brand) does not disclose PFAS policies for this product.
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Polypropylene shell, aluminum base, fabric upholstery
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 Setu's shell is injection-molded polypropylene, a stable plastic that does not leach BPA, phthalates, or other endocrine disruptors under normal office conditions. The aluminum base is anodized or powder-coated, which prevents direct aluminum contact with skin or food. The fabric upholstery is the primary variable; Herman Miller typically sources fabrics that meet Oeko-Tex or similar standards, but specific fiber content (polyester, nylon, natural blend) affects off-gassing and durability.
The brand's record and disclosure
Herman Miller (note: the Setu is a Herman Miller design; Sedus is the European distributor) maintains published sustainability and chemical disclosure programs, including Cradle to Cradle certification for many products and participation in the Textile Exchange. However, the company does not make explicit public commitments to PFAS elimination in upholstery treatments. No recalls or chemical safety controversies are on record for the Setu line.
How it compares in its category
The Setu is positioned in the premium ergonomic office chair segment. Compared to budget chairs (which may use untreated fabrics or recycled plastics with unknown additives), it benefits from Herman Miller's material vetting. Compared to high-end alternatives like the Aeron, the Setu offers similar safety standards but with a lighter, more flexible shell design that reduces material volume and potential off-gassing.
If you buy it
Inspect the fabric and seams regularly for pilling, fraying, or coating breakdown, especially if the chair sees heavy daily use. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can degrade the polypropylene shell over years. Wipe the base with a dry cloth to prevent dust buildup. If the fabric becomes visibly soiled or torn, request a replacement fabric panel from Herman Miller rather than applying harsh chemical cleaners, which may damage coatings.
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.”
Polypropylene shell degradation and microplastic shedding
Polypropylene is chemically stable but can become brittle over 7-10 years of use, especially under UV or thermal stress. No published evidence of microplastic shedding from office chair shells, but wear-induced particle release is a theoretical concern in heavily used environments.
Fabric flame retardant or antimicrobial treatments
Herman Miller upholstery typically meets fire codes via inherent fiber properties or applied finishes. The specific flame retardant chemistry is not publicly disclosed. If the fabric contains brominated or chlorinated compounds, off-gassing risk is minimal in passive sitting but increases with heat or humidity.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from fresh cushioning or adhesives
New office chairs, including the Setu, may emit low levels of VOCs from polyurethane foam, fabric sizing, and adhesives during the first weeks of use. This is temporary and does not indicate a safety flaw; airing out the chair in a ventilated space for a few days reduces odor and exposure.
Aluminum base corrosion or leaching
The anodized or powder-coated aluminum base is not in contact with skin, food, or liquids under normal use, so aluminum leaching is not a practical hazard. Corrosion risk is minimal in dry office environments.
Formaldehyde in upholstery resins or foam binders
Herman Miller products typically avoid formaldehyde-releasing adhesives and opt for low-VOC options. No public record of formaldehyde complaints or off-gassing issues with the Setu line.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% 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.