Franklin Corporation · Upholstered Furniture
Starla Sofa - Bob Mills Furniture - Franklin - Gray Sofas
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes upholstered fabric, no treatment on record, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Upholstered fabric, no treatment on record
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Starla Sofa - Bob Mills Gray Sofas is made of, ingredients and materials
The Starla is an upholstered sofa with fabric covering over a frame structure. The product context lists upholstered fabric as the material but does not specify fiber content (polyester, cotton, wool blend, etc.) or note any applied chemical treatments. Fabric fiber type matters because synthetics like polyester may shed microfibers during use, and some fabric finishes, though none are named for this product, can contain formaldehyde resins or azo dyes. Without disclosed fiber composition, full material assessment is incomplete.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing
New upholstered furniture commonly releases VOCs (from adhesives, foam, and fabric finishes) during the first weeks to months. This sofa's foam composition and adhesive chemistry are not specified, making off-gassing intensity unknown. Ventilation mitigates exposure.
Microfiber shedding (synthetic fabrics)
If the fabric is polyester or a synthetic blend, microscopic fibers may shed with use and abrasion, particularly during vacuuming or brushing. Shedding rate depends on weave density and fiber denier, neither of which is disclosed for this model.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No formaldehyde-containing finish is documented on this sofa. However, typical upholstery fabrics may include durable-press or wrinkle-resistant finishes that contain formaldehyde. The Starla's fabric treatment status is not disclosed, so risk cannot be ruled out.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
No restricted azo dyes or heavy metal pigments are on record for this product. Gray upholstery commonly uses carbon-based or chromium dyes, but without a fiber composition or dye certification, risk profile is unconfirmed.
Source, FDA ↗Flame retardants
No flame retardant treatment is stated for the Starla. Many upholstered sofas in the US market include added flame retardants to meet furniture flammability standards, but this product's compliance method and chemistry are not disclosed.
Source, EPA ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Franklin Corporation has no public stance or statement on PFAS or flame retardant use in this product line. The brand does not appear to have issued transparency reports or third-party certifications (such as Oeko-Tex, GREENGUARD, or GOTS) that would document chemical hazard testing. No recalls or safety controversies are on record for this specific model. The lack of disclosure means chemical composition beyond fabric type remains undisclosed.
How it compares in its category
Most upholstered sofas in this price and brand tier do not carry flame retardant certification or disclose their use. This sofa does not appear to have been marketed with chemical safety certifications, placing it at the middle of transparency norms for mid-market furniture. Competitors with Oeko-Tex or GREENGUARD labels offer documented chemical testing; this product does not. Without a fabric content label readily visible, it is difficult to assess fiber-specific risks relative to alternatives.
If you buy it
Request or verify the exact fabric fiber content and weave before purchase, as this determines care and shedding risk. Avoid prolonged exposure to heat (direct sunlight or radiators) to prevent accelerated degradation of synthetic fibers and potential off-gassing of finishes. Clean with mild soap and water or upholstery-specific products, not solvents, to avoid mobilizing any undisclosed residual finishes. If new furniture odor is strong, ventilate the room well for the first 1-2 weeks.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Franklin Corporation has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More upholstered furniture 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.