Sedus: Where Heritage Meets Innovation - Shaping the Future of Work for Over 150 Years

In the world of office furniture, where trends can be fleeting, the story of Sedus Stoll AG is a remarkable one. This is a tale of a 150-year-old German company that has not only survived but thrived by holding onto its core values while relentlessly innovating for the future. From its roots as a small chair manufacturer to its current status as a European leader in holistic office solutions, Sedus embodies a unique blend of tradition, sustainability, and forward-thinking design.

The company's philosophy is visually encapsulated in its logo: a tree. This symbolizes consistency, closeness to nature, and a clear focus on the future . These aren't just marketing terms; they are principles that have been embedded in the company's DNA since its founding in 1871 by Albert Stoll I .

A Legacy Built on Ergonomic Firsts and Social Responsibility

Sedus's history is marked by a series of pioneering moments:

Revolutionary Ergonomics: The company's innovative spirit was cemented when Albert Stoll II introduced and patented the first ergonomic office chair on castors in Europe .

Ecological Awakening: A significant shift occurred under Christoph Stoll, who brought a strong ecological and social conscience into the culture, famously stating, “Ecology and economy are not opposites, but indispensable parts of the whole” .

A Unique Ownership Model: Today, Sedus is owned by two charitable foundations—the Stoll VITA Foundation and the Karl Bröcker Foundation . This structure ensures the company's independence and directs a significant portion of its profits towards supporting nature conservation, public health, and educational projects for children . Working at Sedus, therefore, means contributing back to the wider community .

Designing for the "Individual Collective" in the Modern Workplace

Sedus recognizes that the contemporary office is no longer a one-size-fits-all space. Today's work environment is a delicate balance between individual focus and collaborative creativity, a concept Sedus refers to as "The Individual Collective" . The company develops product solutions that cater to this duality, creating spaces that support both the person and the team .

Their product strategy is dynamic, with fixed launch intervals in spring and autumn to consistently introduce new, trend-setting furnishing concepts . Recent innovations include the se:lounge chair for comfortable retreats, updates to the mobile se:lab system for agile workshops, and the se:cube max, an expanded room-in-room solution for team collaboration .

"Sedustainable" Business: A Deep-Rooted Commitment

For Sedus, sustainability—or "Sedustainability"—is a holistic commitment guided by the Sedus Green Codex, a comprehensive framework for a circular economy . The company has set an ambitious goal to achieve CO₂ neutrality at its administrative and production sites by the end of 2025 . This is supported by concrete investments in renewable energy, such as photovoltaic systems and heat pumps at its Dogern and Geseke locations .

This commitment has been recognized externally, with Sedus recently awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal, placing it among the top 5% of all companies rated for sustainability performance .

A Living Culture of Appreciation

The company's values are perhaps most visible in how it treats its employees. Sedus has practiced employee profit-sharing since the 1950s . The company supports well-being through health management programs, sports activities, and its company restaurants, "Oase" and "Loft," which serve fresh, high-quality meals prepared according to the wholefood principle, a tradition started by Emma Stoll .

From its historic breakthroughs to its present-day innovations and profound sense of responsibility, Sedus Stoll AG demonstrates that a company's most significant asset is its values. As the world of work continues to evolve, Sedus is not just reacting to change—it is actively designing the environments where future ideas will be born, always with an eye on the well-being of people and the planet.