Herman Miller is continuing to increase the use of “Ocean-Bound Plastic” within the modern furniture maker’s portfolio.
One year after its pioneering use in the iconic Aeron, now the Sayl Chair, designed by Yves Béhar, will now include up to 1.36 kg (3 pounds) of mismanaged plastic waste found near waterways and, according on current selling forecasts, it will divert 95 metric tons, the equivalent of approximately 9.6 million plastic water bottles, from the ocean annually.
This choice reflects the ongoing commitment to sustainability of Herman Miller, company of the MillerKnoll collective and a founding member of NextWave Plastics. The goal is to increase the recycled content to at least 50 percent, including the use of ocean-bound plastic, across all material the Company uses by 2030.

Sayl joins an impressive roster of Herman Miller products now being made with ocean-bound plastic. Between Aeron, Sayl, and other product lines including OE1 and Revenio textiles, the Company estimates that 234 metric tons of ocean-bound plastic, the equivalent of 23 million water bottles, will be diverted from the ocean annually (based on current selling forecasts).

“True innovation isn’t always about making new products. Oftentimes it can be looking for ways to use new research, perspectives, and resources to improve what already exists. Our team is incredibly excited to continue to improve and introduce products that promote responsible use of Earth’s resources.” says Gabe Wing, Director of Sustainability at MillerKnoll.

Since its introduction in 2010, the Sayl chair has been a leader in responsible design. Inspired by the Golden Gate Bridge, the eco-dematerialized design of Sayl was specifically created to use less material in inventive ways while providing ergonomic support and comfort. Additionally, the chair is 92% recyclable at the end of life.

For this reason Sayl together Aeron Chairs can contribute to green building standards including LEED. 

Yves Béhar, the designer of Sayl and founder of fuseproject, commented on the announcement: “Charles Eames once said ‘Design is never done.’ That is true for the Sayl chair as improvements continue to be made years and years after launch. It was designed from the start as a light, simple, and lower carbon footprint chair in the full-featured task chairs category. And now, years after its launch I’m excited to see Sayl manufactured in recycled plastic diverted from rivers and oceans as the next step in bettering the design. At fuseproject, that has always been a focus and passion, and will continue to be central to our work.”

All colours of the Sayl chair will include ocean-bound plastic, which will grow to include the special edition versions created for Herman Miller Gaming in the future. Depending on the color chosen, each Sayl will have between .907kg (2 pounds) and 1.36kg (3 pounds) of ocean-bound plastic incorporated, with the Black version of Sayl having the highest. Sayl with ocean-bound plastic is available in Europe now and will be available in other areas of the globe later in 2023.

Herman Miller also announced that all colours of the Aeron (Onyx, Graphite, Mineral, and Carbon) are now available with ocean-bound plastic.