Vitra’s office chairs are the result of decades of experience in development. Conceived in collaboration with some of the world’s leading designers, they exhibit an understated appearance despite the incorporation of the latest technological features. Functions that guarantee the ergonomic well-being of the user are integrated in such a manner that they are barely conspicuous.


This also applies to other components, such as the rounded edge upholstered cushions from the company’s in-house foaming plant, with precisely defined degrees of hardness in each seating area. Or the covers, whose seams are finished and positioned so as not to be obtrusive – and which can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement.

High-tech components should be designed as user-friendly as possible. All functions should have a comfortable shape and feel, while being intuitively arranged and easy to operate.

Vitra’s office chairs are intended to retain their visual appeal for as long as possible with a durable quality to match. Thanks to Vitra’s innovative expertise, the ergonomic functions still reflect state-of-the-art technical developments even after years of use.

Whether or not an item of furniture will withstand day-to-day usage only becomes apparent over time. For this reason, Vitra’s Test Center simulates 15 years of everyday use, with over 30 different machines putting the different products through their paces – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round. Dozens of different test configurations are used, always with the aim of going above and beyond requirements and expectations.


For example, the European standard for office swivel chairs requires 16 individual tests, while Vitra conducts up to 54. This is because real-life test conditions require many more resistance tests than those required by international standards, as well as textile, material and surface tests for pilling, abrasion, abrasion or light exposure.

The products are certified by independent institutes. There are many national and international labels focusing on such topics as health, safety or the environmental impact as well as others with a global approach to some or all of these issues. Vitra decides which standards and certifications are relevant for each individual product in regard to its applications and usage.


GS seal (Tested Safety)
The European GS seal is issued to products that fulfil product safety regulations based on national and international norms as well as current technical standards. It ascertains that a product will not cause any damage while being used and assesses whether its components pose any health hazards. Vitra tests all products according to the GS criteria except for accessories.

Ergonomics Approved
The ‘Ergonomics Approved’ certificate is awarded by the TÜV Rheinland and confirms compliance with ergonomic requirements and testing criteria that far exceed the minimum legal regulations for office swivel chairs.

BIFMA
BIFMA is the North American equivalent of the European GS seal and guarantees the safety, durability and sustainability of furnishings at very high levels.

EPD
An EPD – environmental product declaration – is a report based on a life cycle assessment (LCA). It is used to communicate information about a product’s potential impact on the environment and human health, indicating what a product is made of and how it affects the environment throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. Vitra produces EPDs for its most important products.

GREENGUARD Gold
The internationally recognised label GREENGUARD was developed in 2001 by the 'GREENGUARD Environmental Institute'. Its aim is to protect human health and quality of life by reducing exposure to pollutants and improving indoor air conditions. GREENGUARD Gold-certified products can contribute to the environmental certification of buildings. Vitra’s most important products are certified according to the GREENGUARD Gold standards.