At 9to5 Seating there’s a long history of innovation that goes back to company’s founding when Susan and Darius immigrated to the USA from Iran and decided to take a chance on selling office furniture via a leased warehouse space in downtown L.A. That bold move doesn’t happen without an innovative approach to business. This mindset has continued to fuel the 9to5 brand into the 21st century with task and lounge seating consistently delivering more overall value than larger competitors.
The innovation continues with 9to5 Seating proud to announce that it has become the first mid-market manufacturer with all products LEVEL 2 certified and one special product LEVEL 3 certified. This is unprecedented in the contract furniture industry. It’s a testament to the commitment of resources from the parent company, Flokk Group, and the dedicated focus by 9to5 Seating management. Below is a brief overview of the LEVEL certifications:
Developed by BIFMA, LEVEL is a voluntary certification program in which third-party auditors measure a product and its producer against the ANSI/BIFMA e3 Furniture Sustainability Standard. The LEVEL program was created to provide the most comprehensive, unbiased and transparent means of evaluating and communicating commercial furniture products’ environmental and social impacts. The LEVEL mark demonstrates that the product, the manufacturing facility, and the company responsible for the product brand have all met the requirements for certification. Visit www.levelcertified.org for more information.
What does this mean in application? Here are four key takeaways regarding LEVEL. First, materials really matter, and 9to5 Seating introduces chairs that help fight climate change through thoughtful material sourcing. Second, the company is dedicated to a long-term approach to sustainability through product development and innovation. LEVEL certifications are a process that requires time, resources and patience. The certification is not earned on a whim or simply bought. It takes a true commitment to build quality products that are third-party vetted and certified. Third, the product line from 9to5 has passed rigorous product checks to qualify – rest assured that each chair has been thoroughly tested. Fourth, the LEVEL certification represents a commitment to the communities where we live and work. Meeting these requirements is never easier, faster or cheaper. This doesn’t always translate to winning a specification. However, it’s always the right thing to do for our people, and it helps 9to5 Seating create environmentally preferable and socially responsible chairs for the workplace. Our mindset is that “we don’t want just to fight climate change, but also be part of the solution.”
Beyond the LEVEL 2 certification, 9to5 Seating is proud to offer two chairs that meet the even more rigorous standards of LEVEL 3 certification, HÅG Capisco and HÅG Capisco Puls. LEVEL 3 is the highest rating a product can reach and is similar to a Platinum ranking within the LEED system. With 9to5 Seating, whatever chair you specify, rest assured it’s LEVEL certified, built to last, and loaded with value. 9to5 Seating is committed to boldly changing how furniture designers and manufacturers operate. We recognize that the way business has been conducted no longer works and want to be part of the solution. From our waste management to our hiring practices, our profit-sharing to our supply chain – we will continue to push the industry forward with the best, most sustainable chairs possible.
To learn more about 9to5 Seating’s sustainability policy go to 9to5seating.com/sustainability.
