Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products from seating to height-adjustable desks, today announces Refreshed, a first-of-its-kind circularity program that ensures its products get a second (and perhaps third) life, in an industry where manufacturers have focused on a single-use model. Starting today, expertly restored Humanscale products will be available for consumer purchase. From pioneering healthy materials and transparency, introducing the industry’s first third-party certified carbon negative products, to launching the world’s first chair made from reclaimed fishing nets, the Refreshed Collection reaffirms Humanscale’s long-standing leadership and commitment to sustainability by creating a roadmap for circular success.
“Due to high recycling costs and inadequate infrastructure, overcoming systemic obstacles in sustainability requires substantial changes in manufacturing, consumer behavior and waste management,” said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. “Humanscale continues to innovate, shaping new processes for our industry and bridging the gap to a circular economy. Refreshed is a responsible and planet positive program for our customers to breathe new life into our products that are built to be used again and again.”
Guided by the core philosophy that good design achieves more with less, Humanscale is setting the bar for circularity in two phases: product design and the circular system through which the product gets reused. For decades, its products have been designed around four key pillars to optimize for a circular model:
- Longevity: Products are known for exceeding the industry’s toughest durability standards. This inherent durability allows for an extended life, far beyond its initial use.
- Serviceability: Products are modularly designed so it is simple to disassemble or refresh certain components.
- Material Health: Humanscale has pioneered the elimination of Red-List chemicals from its products. For example, it is the only manufacturer to have removed Red-List chemicals from its complete line of task chairs. This ensures harmful chemicals, like carcinogens, don’t continue to recirculate in the environment.
- Simplicity: Products have significantly fewer parts, about half the parts as others on the market, reducing their overall footprint and minimizing the risk of maintenance issues.
“Humanscale is proud to pioneer an initiative that will give our products a second life and see the circular economy implemented in practice,” said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. “Now more than ever, it is clear that circularity is essential in our fight against climate change. As we continue to make a positive impact on our planet with Refreshed, we hope to inspire other companies to follow suit.”
Furniture waste is growing and now accounts for 17 billion pounds of waste that end up in landfills each year. The Refreshed program offers a tangible way for companies and individuals alike to put circularity into practice.
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