Sustainable Office Chairs: Material Matters and the Green Choices You Make
While recycled paper and LED lighting get all the attention, your executive high-back office chair is one of the biggest contributors to your workspace's environmental footprint. Made of leather, foam, adhesives, and metal, each chair you choose carries weight—literally and ecologically.
Why Do Chair Materials Matter for Sustainability?
According to the EPA, furniture manufacturing is among the leading sources of indoor volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution. These emissions come from synthetic foams, glues, and finishes and can linger for months indoors.
A report by the Sustainable Furnishings Council found:
- The average office chair generates over 72kg of CO₂ over its lifecycle.
- More than 80% of old chairs end up in landfills.
What Materials Make a Chair Truly Sustainable?
1. Upholstery: Is Leather Always a Problem?
While synthetic leather may seem "vegan-friendly," it often contains PVC, which is non-biodegradable and harmful to produce. On the other hand, genuine leather sourced responsibly—especially as a by-product of the food industry—can have a lower net environmental impact if processed using water-saving and chrome-free tanning.
- Bonded Leather: Made from leather scraps glued to vinyl. Affordable and easy to clean, but tends to peel and doesn’t breathe well.
- Split Grain Leather: Often used on the sides or back of chairs. It’s mid-quality and used to save costs while retaining the leather look.
- Top Grain Leather: The most durable and breathable option. Fully dyed through, scratch-resistant, and retains its beauty over time. Found in premium office chairs.
2. Foam and Padding: The Hidden VOC Source
Many standard office chairs use urethane foams that release VOCs. Greener alternatives include:
- Soy-based foams,
- Natural latex foams,
- Padding made from recycled PET fibers.
POVIMO uses low-emission foam cores that meet CA Technical Bulletin 117-2013 standards.
3. Glue and Adhesives: A Small Detail with Big Impact
Traditional glues release formaldehyde and other HAPs (hazardous air pollutants). Sustainable options include:
- VOC-free adhesives,
- Water-based glues,
- Polyurethane alternatives.
4. Frame and Base: Recycled or Recyclable?
Steel and aluminum are recyclable and durable options, especially when sourced from post-consumer material.
The Asari Leather Chair features a metallic base with over 30% recycled content, aligned with ISO 14021 green claims.
What Makes a Chair Truly Eco-Friendly?
- Genuine Leather from certified tanneries (REACH-compliant, chrome-free)
- Low-VOC adhesives and foam
- Recyclable frames, such as aluminum bases with post-consumer content
- Modular designs for easy repairs and end-of-life recycling
POVIMO uses REACH-certified full-grain leather, water-based glue, and recyclable aluminum bases—reducing indoor emissions and waste.
POVIMO’s Approach to Sustainable Office Design
POVIMO balances aesthetics, ergonomics, and sustainability. Here's one example of their eco-forward chairs:
Laramie Executive Chair
Full-grain leather, VOC-free adhesives, and a recycled aluminum base. A luxurious yet responsible seating solution.
Shop NowWhat’s Next? Toward a Circular Economy of Office Furniture
According to BIFMA, only 8% of office furniture is currently recycled. To change that, we need:
- Design for disassembly
- Mono-material components
- Refurbishment or buyback programs
Final Thoughts: Make a Greener Seating Choice
Your office chair doesn’t just support your posture—it supports your values. Choosing sustainable materials, breathable natural leather, and long-lasting design benefits both your health and the planet.
