Undercover Investigation of Office Chairs

Some seat manufacturing enterprises in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, have been found to use 'recycled cotton' to make office chair cushions, posing a health risk to consumers.

Use of Recycled Cotton in Office Chair Cushions

In some seat manufacturing enterprises in Anji County, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, there is a phenomenon of using glue-bonded 'sponge waste' (recycled cotton) to make office chair cushions. Recycled cotton is made by recycling sponge waste and re-bonding it with glue, with an average cost about half that of original cotton, making it favored by some seat manufacturers. Some manufacturers even promise to assist in providing 'qualified' reports for tests such as formaldehyde detection and propose an operation method of 'laying a layer of original sponge on top and using recycled cotton on the bottom, so that customers won't find out unless they dismantle the cushion' to conceal the use of recycled cotton.

Hazards of Recycled Cotton Office Chair Cushions

• Health Hazards: Some consumers have complained that after purchasing seats (including office chairs) on e-commerce platforms, they experienced allergic reactions, nausea, and other discomforts shortly after use. After cutting open the cushions, they found that the fillings were colorful, roughly spliced recycled sponge, mixed with yellow and white hard lumps, debris, and foreign matter from hardened glue. These substances may release harmful gases and substances, posing a health risk to humans.
• Quality Risks: Recycled cotton office chair cushions feel rough and hard, with poor elasticity. They generally 'collapse' after more than six months of use and have poor support. This not only affects the user experience of the office chair but may also lead to poor posture due to cushion collapse, causing physical fatigue, back pain, and other issues.

Consumer Response Measures

When purchasing office chairs, consumers should choose formal channels and well-known brands, carefully review product descriptions and test reports, and avoid buying office chairs made with recycled cotton. If they experience physical discomfort or find quality issues with the cushions during use, they should promptly communicate with the merchant and seek solutions.