Adding new materials reflects Herman Miller's
ongoing commitment to sustainability across the brand's
portfolio
ZEELAND,
Mich., July 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Herman
Miller expands its offering for the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman,
designed by Charles and Ray Eames,
to include bamboo-based upholstery.
Herman Miller has held environmental stewardship as an
intentional focus since 1953, when founder D.J. De Pree said, "We
will be a good corporate neighbor by being a good steward of the
environment." With this in mind, Herman Miller has revisited
many of its designs through material innovation over the years,
including the Eames Molded Plastic Chairs, now made from 100%
recycled plastic, and Aeron Chair, now made with ocean-bound
plastic.
The bamboo-based leather alternative is soft, durable, and more
scratch-resistant and colorfast than any other material. It is used
in designer handbags and footwear, luxury automotive interiors, and
now, as an upholstery option for the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and
Ottoman from Herman Miller.
Bamboo is deemed one of the world's most sustainable resources
due to its rapid and continual growth, higher CO2 absorption rate,
and usage of only one-third of the water required by other natural
plants. Upholstering the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in material
derived from bamboo helps reduce the materials carbon footprint of
the chair by up to 35 percent.
Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, often referred to by collectors
and design enthusiasts by the product codes "670" and "671" was
introduced on national television in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames and has been in continuous
production from Herman Miller since. It set the bar for lounge
seating and quickly became a highly visible emblem of Herman
Miller's quality. One of the most significant furniture designs of
the 20th century—instantly recognizable in museums, homes, offices,
and film sets—the timeless design provides long-lasting comfort
through its signature reclined positioning and a shape that flexes
to fit individuals. Citing the English club chair as inspiration,
Charles said he sought to design a modern version of that chair,
one that had "the warm receptive look of a well-used first
baseman's mitt."
"Charles and Ray Eames pioneered
the use of molded plywood in furniture, one of the central material
innovations of their time. Today, Herman Miller is among the first
furniture brands to offer a plant-based leather alternative—made
almost entirely from bamboo. The two materials come together in the
latest offering of the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and
Ottoman, upholding the aesthetic and quality standards that have
defined the chair for nearly 70 years," says Noah Schwarz, Vice President of Product Design
for Herman Miller.
The new bamboo-based upholstery colorways include ivory, russet,
and black. Each can be specified with any of the existing shell
types—walnut, santos palisander, ash, or oak—and in standard and
tall sizes.
Eames Lounge and Ottoman with bamboo-based upholstery can be
purchased in stores and online at Herman Miller and through Herman
Miller and MillerKnoll dealers for contract customers. Visit the
Herman Miller website for your region for availability.
About Herman Miller
Over the last century, Herman Miller has been guided by a
commitment to problem-solving designs that inspire the best in
people. Along the way, Herman Miller has forged critical
relationships with the most visionary designers of the day, from
mid-century greats like George
Nelson, the Eames Office, and Isamu
Noguchi, to research-oriented visionaries like Robert Propst and Bill Stumpf—and with today's
groundbreaking studios like Industrial Facility and Studio 7.5.
From the birth of ergonomic furniture to manufacturing some of the
twentieth century's most iconic pieces, Herman Miller has pioneered
original, timeless design that makes an enduring impact, while
building a lasting legacy of design, innovation, and social good.
Herman Miller is a part of MillerKnoll, a collective of dynamic
brands that comes together to design the world we live in. For more
information, visit hermanmiller.com/about.
Herman Miller is the sole authorized manufacturer of
furniture designs by Charles and Ray Eames for all
markets except Europe and the Middle East. For these
regions, please contact Vitra.
Resources
Images courtesy of Herman Miller
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SOURCE Herman Miller