Humanscale has published its 2024 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report, detailing measurable achievements and ongoing challenges in sustainable manufacturing.
© Humanscale
"Just as we pioneered comfort and wellness 40 years ago, we are now setting new standards for sustainability in an industry where many focus only on distant goals," said Bob King, Founder and CEO of Humanscale. "These results demonstrate our commitment to leaving the planet better than we found it."
Highlights from the 2024 CSR report include:
- B Corp certification – Humanscale is the only major commercial furniture brand in the US to achieve this recognition.
- Elimination of added antimicrobials in products.
- 90% of waste diverted from landfills without incineration.
- Launch of two circular business models, including product leasing and reintroduction of returned items into inventory.
- Introduction of the Freedom Chair base, incorporating 1kg of ocean plastic.
The report also candidly acknowledges challenges in sustainability: factory energy use did not decrease by 1% globally, Scope 1 & 2 emissions fell by only 6.63 MT CO₂e, and staffing shortages slowed progress on reducing single-use packaging. Supplier audits reached 76% against an 80% target.
"We are releasing our full findings, successes and challenges alike, so industry peers can see that achieving net-positive manufacturing is not linear," said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer. "Change is possible, and these tangible results prove it."
In 2025, Humanscale was ranked No.1 for sustainability in the contract furniture sector by MMQB, based on third-party certifications, climate disclosures, and material transparency. The company has also become the first manufacturer recognised by the International Living Future Institute's Living Product Challenge (LPC), with 29 climate-positive products representing over 55% of total sales.
© Humanscale
Humanscale's philosophy is simple: good design achieves more with less. The company remains committed to the health of both people and the planet, producing minimally elegant ergonomic solutions, from chairs and height-adjustable desks to lighting and computer supports, that encourage movement wherever work happens.
The 2024 CSR report reinforces Humanscale's ongoing mission to combine performance, environmental stewardship, and transparency, offering a blueprint for responsible manufacturing in the contract furniture industry.
More information:
Humanscale
www.humanscale.com
