The WiChair Wins the German Sustainability Award for Products 2026

A standing ovation for the WiChair, which has won the 2026 German Sustainability Award for Products. It’s considered the most prestigious sustainability accolade in Europe. The award pays tribute to companies and products that expedite the transformation toward a future-proof economy in innovative and responsible ways. Among the 48 finalists in the resources-transformation category, the chair impressed the judges with its exemplary blend of ergonomic excellence, sustainable and timeless design.

The WiChair demonstrates how resource-efficient design can triumph. With just a few carefully selected recycled, recyclable, or renewable materials, it achieves a low carbon footprint. And that’s not all. The chair’s screw-based, modular design facilitates repairs and mono-material sorting at the end of its lifecycle. The result is a long-lasting chair that is ecologically responsible and very attractive.

The judges summed it up concisely, calling it: “...a successful combination of sustainable materials, functional ergonomics and timeless design.” They were particularly impressed with the chair’s ease of repair, which means a longer life and less resource consumption. Consequently, the WiChair shows that ecology and comfort aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, quite the contrary, sophisticated product design means they go hand in hand.

The WiChair immediately follows the movements of anyone sitting on it. Without any complex mechanical parts, the elastic curved steel bracket in the middle enables springy, three-dimensional movement. And it’s custom adjustable for people on the lighter or heavier side. This is one agile, energy-boosting and fun chair.

The pared-down, functional and long-lasting WiChair is in keeping with Wilkhahn’s design principles. The oak seat and backrest shells, raw steel base frames, monochrome colors, replaceable covers and full upholstery tap into diverse design options in offices, studios or homes.

Wilkhahn has been at the forefront of sustainable furniture development for decades. Back in the 1990s, the legendary Picto was a milestone in ecological design, for which the company won the German Environmental Prize in 1996. In 2012, the ON® was the first office chair ever to win the Federal Ecodesign Award. The WiChair is continuing in the same tradition. It symbolizes an approach that marries sustainability and innovativeness with the power of design.