Seeing the forest for the trees

Vitra and the responsible use of wood

The American designer couple Charles and Ray Eames searched for solutions to old and new problems in everything they did: they experimented with innovative structures, materials, forms and methods. They introduced groundbreaking ideas time and again, driven by a strong desire to unite design and functionality. Yet Charles and Ray never saw their work as complete. With every new development or relevant insight, they seized the opportunity to refine and evolve their creations even further.

Vitra is continuing to pursue this guiding principle and is working to develop materials in such a way that their carbon footprint is as small as possible. The use of wood should also be as sustainable as possible – without compromising on the quality, longevity and aesthetics of products. Vitra has therefore developed a new strategy for the procurement and processing of wood. Christian Grosen, Chief Design Officer at Vitra, explains what this involves in the video.

“In order to be really secure, you must be secure in change.”
Charles Eames
Read more about the selection and origin of the woods used at Vitra in our glossary.

Publication: 04.09.2025
Video: © Vitra,

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