Humanscale: Building a Circular Economy with Sustainable Manufacturing in the Real World
Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products, from seating to height-adjustable desks, has released its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) report for 2023.
The report details tangible strides the company has made toward a circular business model and reinforces its sustainability pillars. Led by CEO Bob King and Chief Sustainability Officer Jane Abernethy, Humanscale’s sustainability program remains dedicated to creating measurable change across climate, water, energy, and circularity. Humanscale is also proud to announce that 70% of products by revenue are now certified climate-positive under the Living Product Challenge.
Humanscale’s latest CSR Report Shares Key Milestones in Developing a Circular Business Model and Advancing Climate-Positive Manufacturing
Abernethy says:
“In 2023, Humanscale’s aim remained bigger than ourselves as we set out to lead and catalyse our entire industry toward greater sustainability. Our success, as always, was grounded in concrete actions rather than carefully worded promises.”
Humanscale has been a pioneering force in advancing sustainability, with a record of significant industry firsts:
- 2017: First to manufacture with fishing nets
- 2018: First to remove Red List chemicals
- 2019: First to systematically publish Declare labels
- 2021: First to use onsite captured rainwater for all production
- 2022: First to have all factories TRUE Zero Waste certified
- 2023: First to have products carbon negative certified
The 2023 CSR report details Humanscale’s progress in five key areas: healthy materials, circularity, climate + energy, water, and social responsibility. This report is an essential resource for understanding Humanscale’s impact and continued climate-positive efforts.
Healthy Materials
A core Humanscale principle is to create products that promote customer health and safety. In 2023, the company aimed to remove all added antimicrobials from its products, reaching 95% completion. Currently, the brand is working with a supplier on an antimicrobial-free version of its Lotus textile, with full elimination targeted for 2024.
Circularity
For decades, Humanscale has designed durable, long-lasting products optimised for circularity. Recent initiatives include a pilot to test second-life chairs, packaging reduction, and waste diversion.
Pilot of Circular Business Model: In 2023, Humanscale piloted the resale of second-life Liberty chairs to a London customer partner. These refurbished chairs, updated to meet quality standards, were part of an industry-first circular economy pilot with Perkins & Will, reducing embodied carbon and laying the groundwork for future circular offerings.
Inbound Packaging Reduction: Humanscale completed its goal of reducing one instance of inbound packaging. In partnership with a global digital communications company, the company also piloted a program to buy back and refurbish used Freedom Task chairs, giving new life to surplus furniture and preventing waste.
Waste Diversion: Humanscale achieved a 92% waste diversion goal in half its factories, with one reaching 97% diversion. However, challenges at other sites brought the global average to 87%. In early 2024, Humanscale also piloted a leasing program with a German software company, where chairs are leased instead of discarded, allowing for flexible, environmentally friendly office solutions.
Climate + Energy
Humanscale made significant progress in reducing climate impact and energy use. New air compressors, HVAC fans, and LED lighting installations led to a 585 MWh reduction in energy use, 836% of the original target. Scope 1 and 2 climate emissions were reduced by over 35 tons of CO2e, exceeding the 25 metric ton target. Engaging suppliers in Science-Based Targets for emissions remains challenging, with 5% completion.
Water
As water scarcity intensifies, Humanscale prioritizes conservation. In 2023, a new water reuse system for powder coating helped the company reduce water use by 32%, reaching 182% of its initial 25% reduction goal.
Social Responsibility
Community impact is central to Humanscale’s values. In 2023, employees volunteered at environmental cleanups across Connecticut, Huntington Beach, and Pelham Park. In product development, Humanscale also committed to integrating ocean plastic into Freedom chair bases, aiming to expand the use of recycled materials in future designs.
Abernethy says:
“At Humanscale, we focus on meaningful change, and we’re applying that same approach to circularity.”
Humanscale’s “Handprints” initiative continues to calculate positive impact through Life Cycle Analysis, tracking beneficial “handprints” that exceed negative footprints (carbon, water, energy) for lasting impact.
For the full 2023 CSR Report, see HERE
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