Steelcase Karman: A sustainable office chair designed with the planet in mind

Steelcase Karman combines modern design, lightweight construction and an environmentally responsible approach. It shows that an office chair can be designed with consideration not only for users’ needs, but also for the impact its production and use have on our planet.

Lightweight construction with a smaller environmental footprint

Weighing just 13 kilograms, Steelcase Karman is one of the lightest office chairs in its segment. Its lightweight construction not only makes it easy to move, but is also part of a considered approach to sustainability.

Efficient use of materials helps limit resource consumption and reduce environmental impacts during both production and transport. Lower weight and fewer materials offer several benefits:

• Lower fuel consumption during transport thanks to the reduced weight being carried.
• More efficient use of resources during production.
• Reduced environmental impact associated with the product.

Steelcase Karman thus shows that thoughtful design can combine functionality, lightness and a more environmentally responsible approach.

A verified approach to climate protection

The Steelcase Karman office chair is also available with Climate Impact Partners® product certification, confirming independent verification of its climate protection activities.

The product’s carbon footprint is measured and, wherever possible, ways to reduce the associated emissions are explored. The certification also includes support for verified climate projects. This approach reflects Steelcase’s commitment to responsible and credible environmental action.

Every purchase of a certified Steelcase Karman chair supports a verified climate project at a level corresponding to the product’s measured carbon footprint. This is equivalent to the emissions produced by driving an average petrol car approximately 288 kilometres. The comparison is based on the US EPA’s greenhouse gas emissions calculator.

Sustainability as part of design

Steelcase works towards a more sustainable future by recognising its contribution to climate change and actively reducing the environmental impacts of its operations. The aim is to help create a more resilient and sustainable world.

This approach rests on three main principles:

• Responsible manufacturing and supply chain – developing products, sourcing materials and delivering products with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint.
• Design that supports the circular economy – designing products with efficient resource use and a more sustainable life cycle in mind.
• Responsible material selection – making careful decisions about which materials are used and how we handle them.