Why Herman Miller Chose Bamboo Leather

Header: Courtesy of Herman Miller

Since 1953, Herman Miller has focused on environmental stewardship, as founder D.J. De Pree stated, “We will be a good corporate neighbor by being a good steward of the environment.” Herman Miller has applied material innovation across its designs, including 100% recycled plastic for the Eames Molded Plastic Chairs and ocean-bound plastic for the Aeron Chair.

The bamboo-based leather alternative is soft, durable, and sustainable due to the plant’s rapid growth and high CO2 absorption. This makes this material widely used in designer handbags, footwear, and luxury automotive interiors. Now, it is available as an upholstery choice for the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, which reduces the product’s carbon footprint by up to 35 percent.

Originally introduced in 1956 by Charles and Ray Eames on national television, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman—often known by product codes “670” and “671”—has been in continuous production at Herman Miller. It quickly became a recognized standard in lounge seating, known for its reclined positioning and flexible shape that adjusts to individuals. Inspired by the English club chair, Charles aimed to design a modern version with “the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.”

In the words of Noah Schwarz, Vice President of Product Design for Herman Miller, “Charles and Ray Eames pioneered the use of moulded 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.“

The new bamboo-based upholstery options include ivory, russet, and black, compatible with existing shell types—walnut, santos palisander, ash, or oak—and available in standard and tall sizes.