NEW YORK—Humanscale, the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic furniture, announces the launch of the Freedom Ocean, the newest addition to its acclaimed Ocean Collection. This release reinforces Humanscale’s commitment to combating ocean pollution by transforming discarded materials into sustainable workplace solutions.
Building on the legacy of Niels Diffrient’s iconic Freedom Chair, hailed as “the gold standard in office seating” and featured in the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, the Freedom Ocean reimagines this ergonomic classic through the lens of sustainability. Crafted from reclaimed fishing nets and ocean plastic, it merges intelligent engineering with environmental responsibility.
By 2050, it’s projected that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Of all marine plastic waste, roughly 20 percent comes from discarded fishing nets, often referred to as “ghost nets.” These abandoned nets entangle marine life, destroy coral reefs, and can take centuries to degrade. By reclaiming this material, Humanscale helps divert a critical source of ocean pollution while transforming it into durable, high-performance products.
Design Meets Environmental Responsibility
“We challenge the rest of the industry to put in the hard work and financial commitments to make a transformative impact on the Earth,” said Jane Abernethy, Chief Sustainability Officer at Humanscale. “The Freedom Ocean reflects our belief that great design and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.”
Humanscale was the first in the commercial furniture industry to turn discarded fishing nets into chairs, beginning with the launch of the Ocean Collection in 2016. With products like the Liberty Ocean and Smart Ocean, the collection has already diverted tens of thousands of pounds of waste from the sea. The Freedom Ocean builds on this legacy, combining ergonomic innovation, circular design, and measurable environmental impact.
Each Freedom Ocean chair contains up to 4.2 pounds of reclaimed fishing and boating gear sourced from the maritime industry, furthering Humanscale’s mission to design products that give back more than they take.
A Masterclass in Ergonomics
Engineered around the human body, the Freedom Ocean’s weight-compensating recline automatically adjusts to each user for effortless support in any position. A pivoting backrest maintains continuous lumbar support, while contoured seat cushions with a waterfall edge reduce pressure points and improve circulation. The chair’s synchronous armrests move in tandem with the sitter, and an optional headrest provides full ergonomic alignment.
Its modular design supports easy maintenance and part replacement, extending product life and minimizing waste. Optional accessories, such as Technogel cushions and a coat hanger, further enhance comfort and customization. Designed to fit 95 percent of the population, the Freedom Ocean is available in task, meeting, and stool models.
Sustainable by Design
Produced in TRUE Zero Waste facilities, the Freedom Ocean contains post-consumer recycled content and is free from harmful chemicals. It is Living Product Certified, meaning it is climate, water, and energy positive, giving back more than it takes to make.
Certifications include:
- BIFMA LEVEL 3
- SCS Indoor Advantage Gold for superior air quality
- DECLARE—LBC Red List Approved
- Health Product Declaration (HPD) for full material transparency
Materials & Finishes
Freedom Ocean is available in premium, chrome-free leathers and high-performance fabrics such as Steelcut Trio, Hallingdal 65, and Remix 3, with frame finishes in Graphite Polished Aluminum and Black to suit any workspace aesthetic. Each chair includes a 15-year warranty on parts and a five-year warranty on fabric and cushions.
Elegant, functional, and responsibly made, the Freedom Ocean sets a new benchmark for sustainable ergonomic design. It is available now at www.humanscale.com and through Humanscale’s global network of authorized distributors.
