Herman Miller, a brand that for more than 100 years has been guided by a commitment to problem-solving designs, has been producing the iconic Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames, since they introduced it on national television in 1956. At the time, there was nothing like it, and today, there is still nothing equal to it. The chair redefined comfort and craftsmanship with its distinctive molded plywood, a material innovation at the time, and plush upholstery and has remained in continuous production by Herman Miller ever since.

One of the most recognized furniture designs of the 20th century, the lounge chair and ottoman can be seen everywhere from museums to homes to offices and film sets. There’s also a history of innovation and change behind the chair: the iterative process of designers Charles and Ray Eames meant that they regularly reevaluated the materials used in their designs for Herman Miller. The resulting changes, such as the decision to stop producing their Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in endangered rosewood, often made the products more sustainable and Herman Miller continues to build on that today.

With a longstanding focus on environmental stewardship, in July 2024, Herman Miller introduced a plant-based leather alternative as an upholstery option for the lounge chair and ottoman. This milestone made it one of the first furniture brands to add a plant-based leather alternative to its portfolio.

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.

The bamboo-based upholstery for the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is 83% plant-based and FSC-certified, making it a more sustainable choice compared to traditional leather. Bamboo, one of the world’s most renewable resources, requires one-third less water than cotton and is two times lighter than cow leather. By upholstering Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in material derived from bamboo, Herman Miller reduces the materials carbon footprint by up to 35%. This durable, solvent-free material is also more scratch-resistant and colorfast than traditional alternatives, ensuring premium performance in both residential and commercial settings.

Upholstering the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman in material derived from bamboo minimizes environmental impact while maintaining the luxurious feel of the traditional product, blending sustainability with timeless design.

Category:Green ProductsYear:2025Location: Michigan, United StatesDesigners:Charles and Ray Eames of Eames Office, MillerKnoll, Inc., Zeeland, Michigan, USAManufacturer:MillerKnoll, Inc., Zeeland, Michigan, USA