As workplaces evolve and sustainability becomes a core pillar of corporate responsibility, the demand for healthier, environmentally conscious solutions is surging. A significant leap forward in this movement is the emergence of height-adjustable office desks and workstations that are entirely free of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) across all their components. This groundbreaking development addresses growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of these “forever chemicals,” offering businesses a tangible way to enhance employee well-being and meet stringent new regulations.

For decades, PFASs have been widely used in various consumer and industrial products, including furniture, due to their water-, stain- and grease-repellent properties. However, their extreme persistence in the environment and accumulation in living organisms have led to them being labelled “forever chemicals,” with increasing scientific evidence linking exposure to a range of adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, liver damage, developmental issues and an increased risk of certain cancers.

“The shift to PFAS-free office furniture is not just a trend; it’s a necessary evolution for a healthier planet and healthier people,” states Patrick Ramsden, Managing Director of LINAK® Australia. “As the Australian Furniture Association highlights, the presence of PFAS in everyday items, including furniture, is a serious concern. We are proud to be at the forefront of this change, providing a new generation of height-adjustable solutions, EXPERIENCE™, which prioritises safety and sustainability from the ground up.”

The problem with PFAS in furniture

PFAS has historically been found in office furniture due to:

• Greases: The lubrication of the mechanisms to facilitate smooth and quiet height adjustment.
• Coatings: Certain desk surfaces or paint finishes might have incorporated PFAS for durability or easy cleaning.
• Sealants: Some sealants used in height-adjustable furniture construction could contain PFAS.
• Plastic components: The traditional design of plastic guides to ensure smooth and accurate height adjustability has typically been in the form of PTFE/Teflon, another major product incorporating PFAS.

When these components wear down, or as the furniture off-gasses over time, PFAS can be released into the indoor air and dust, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential human exposure. Furthermore, the disposal of furniture containing PFAS contributes to environmental contamination, as these chemicals persist in landfills and can leach into soil and water.

A new era of manufacturing: The PFAS-free commitment

The movement towards PFAS-free manufacturing reflects a growing understanding of the widespread impact of these chemicals and a commitment to safer alternatives. Leading manufacturers are now rigorously auditing their supply chains to ensure that every component used in their new generations of height-adjustable desks and workstations – from the metal frames and laminated surfaces to the adhesives, and any plastic elements, including the sophisticated mechanisms that enable height adjustment – is entirely free of intentionally added PFAS.

This commitment involves:

• Innovative material sourcing: Prioritising materials like sustainable recycled metals (such as steel and aluminium), and composite plastics that inherently possess desired properties without the need for PFAS treatments as well as reducing weight to minimise carbon emissions during transportation.
• PFAS-free lubricants: Ensuring that all components of the height adjustment mechanism, including lubricants, glides and any internal coatings, are also manufactured without PFAS. This is a critical distinction for these advanced workstations, as traditional greases used in these mechanisms have often been a hidden source of PFAS.
• Advanced polymer solutions: Developing and utilising new, non-PFAS-containing plastic components for guides and other moving parts that still offer the necessary low friction and durability for smooth and accurate height adjustment, replacing materials like PTFE/Teflon.
• Transparent supply chains: Working closely with suppliers to ensure full disclosure of chemical compositions and implementing robust testing protocols to verify the absence of PFAS.
• Adherence to emerging regulations: Proactively meeting and exceeding upcoming regulatory requirements. For instance, in Australia new controls under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) Register, effective July 1, 2025, will prohibit the manufacture, import, export and intentional use of certain PFAS chemicals in finished goods. Similar legislation is also taking effect in regions like Minnesota, USA, and across the EU.
• Recognising ecolabelling programs: Within Australia GECA and AFRDI Green Tick are recognised by Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for Green Star ratings, as well as internationally recognised bodies such as REACH within the European Union and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They aim to eliminate or severely restrict PFAS within products and components used in height-adjustable desks.

Benefits of choosing PFAS-free, height-adjustable desks and workstations

The advantages of investing in PFAS-free office furniture, height-adjustable desks like the new LINAK EXPERIENCE series, extend far beyond compliance:

1. Enhanced employee health and well-being: Allowing users to alternate between sitting and standing, the ergonomic benefits are well-documented for reducing sedentary behaviour and promoting physical health. Choosing PFAS-free new generation height-adjustable desks such as EXPERIENCE reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, contributing to better indoor air quality and a safer work environment for all.
2. Environmental stewardship: Minimises the release of persistent “forever chemicals” into the environment, supporting efforts to reduce global PFAS contamination.
3. Future-proofing your investment: Ensures compliance with evolving chemical regulations, safeguarding businesses against future restrictions and costly recalls.
4. Strengthened brand reputation: Demonstrates a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility, appealing to environmentally conscious clients and talent.
5. Improved product lifespan: While not directly related to PFAS, manufacturers committed to safer chemistry often prioritise overall product quality and durability, contributing to a longer lifespan for furniture and reducing waste. This includes ensuring the robust, PFAS-free operation of the height adjustment mechanisms themselves.

The path forward

The transition to PFAS-free, the new generation height-adjustable office furniture like the LINAK EXPERIENCE series, represents a significant stride towards a more sustainable and healthier future for workplaces. Businesses looking to update or furnish new offices should prioritise suppliers who can demonstrate a verifiable commitment to PFAS-free manufacturing across all components of their desks and workstations, including the intricate mechanisms that allow for height adjustment. Asking for certifications (such as GECA Certified® for Furniture & Fabrics), reviewing material data sheets, and engaging with manufacturers on their chemical policies are crucial steps in making informed procurement decisions.

By embracing a new generation PFAS-free, height-adjustable office desks and workstations, organisations can actively contribute to a healthier environment and a safer, more productive workspace for their employees, aligning their values with tangible action. A new generation of the office is here.

LINAK ESG Report
https://ipaper.ipapercms.dk/Linak/ENGLISH/BROCHURE/esg-report-2023-2024pdf/

REACH
LINAK Statement and information regarding REACH

LINAK
linak.com.au