The B Corp-certified company diverted waste from landfills, eliminated added antimicrobials, and noted the real-world challenges of sustainability in manufacturing.

Humanscale, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable high-performance ergonomic products, recently released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report of achievements in 2024.

“Just as we first pioneered comfort and wellness 40 years ago, we are setting a new benchmark for success in an industry where many players solely focus on far-flung goals,” said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. “We are immensely proud of these accomplishments that reflect our ongoing commitment to leaving the planet better than we found it.”

Among Humanscale's CSR successes in 2024 were:

● Achieving B Corp certification, the only major commercial furniture brand in the US to do so.

● Eliminating all added antimicrobials in products.

● Diverting 90% of waste from landfills without incineration.

● Piloting two new circular business models of product leasing and reintroducing returned products into inventory.

● Launching the Freedom Chair base made with 1kg of ocean plastic components.

In addition to Humanscale's successes, the report offers a uniquely transparent view of sustainability progress in the contract furniture sector by also highlighting challenges.

“We're releasing our full findings – successes and challenges alike – so industry dealers, specifiers, and manufacturers see that progress toward 'net positive' manufacturing isn't a straight line,” said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer of Humanscale. “This work isn't easy, but change is possible, as illustrated by these tangible results. We've been actively working to improve these metrics this year and look forward to next year's report reflecting the positive changes.”

The challenges Humanscale faced were:

● Energy and climate: Factory energy use did not decrease by 1% (58 MWh) globally, and Scope 1 & 2 emissions fell by only 6.63 MT CO₂e.

● Packaging: Due to a staffing shortage, no progress was made on reducing single-use packaging. The goal was reassigned to the quality team for 2025, as their team is larger.

● Supplier audits: 76% of suppliers were audited, just shy of the 80% goal.

Additionally in 2025 Humanscale was ranked No.1 for sustainability in the contract furniture by respected leading US trade publication MMQB, according to its industry-wide sustainability scorecard. In an industry where nearly every company claims sustainability as a core value, MMQB reviewed third-party certifications, climate disclosures, and material transparency efforts across leading contract furniture brands and Humanscale came out on top. The assessment evaluates verifiable data from third-party certifications, climate disclosures, and material transparency, across leading contract furniture brands, providing an unprecedented look at who is genuinely advancing sustainable practices. This includes data across leading programs like EcoVadis, CDP, B Corp, JUST and TRUE Zero Waste.

Guided by the core philosophy that good design achieves more with less, Humanscale is committed to the health of both consumers and the planet. Humanscale has been recognized as the first manufacturer to receive an International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC) – considered the most advanced sustainability standard for products — as climate, water, and energy positive with 29 certified climate positive products, accounting for over 55% of their product sales.

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Media Contact

Cora Kemp at Informare PR & Communications cora@informare.co.uk

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About Humanscale Humanscale is the global leader in high-performance ergonomic products that improve the health and comfort of work life. From chairs to height-adjustable desks to lighting and computer support products, Humanscale transforms office necessities into minimally elegant ergonomic solutions that encourage movement wherever work happens. As a certified B Corporation, Humanscale is recognized for its planet-positive manufacturing and industry leadership in environmental stewardship. With 29 products certified climate-positive by the International Living Future Institute, Humanscale is committed to making a planet-positive impact on the earth and our customers. Click here : Humanscale | Ergonomic Office Furniture Solutions for more information on Humanscale and its products.

Images: CSR - Dropbox