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 combination of forward-thinking construction, ergonomic quality, 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 timeless WiChair is in keeping with Wilkhahn’s design principles. The oak seat and backrest shells with oak veneer, steel frames in Raw Steel or monochromatic color finishes, replaceable covers and full upholstery tap into diverse design options in offices, studios or homes.

Specific milestones document Wilkhahn’s commitment to eco-friendly product development: BIn 1996, the company was awarded the German Environmental Prize for the Picto, which can be completely disassembled. In 2012, the ON® became the first office chair ever to receive the Federal Ecodesign Award. The WiChair builds on this legacy with its choice of materials—steel and FSC Mix-certified molded wood—as well as its demountable and individually replaceable components.