Okamura Contessa II Earns Declare Label and LEVEL 3 Sustainability Certifications

The Okamura Contessa II, one of Japan's most respected ergonomic task chairs, has achieved two significant global environmental certifications that underscore its commitment to transparency and sustainability.

Declare Label: Full Material Transparency

In June 2025, three of Okamura's flagship chairs—the Contessa II, CYNARA, and Up-Ring—were awarded the Declare Label by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI). This rigorous certification requires manufacturers to disclose every chemical ingredient in a product down to 100 parts per million (0.01%).

The Declare Label also identifies whether any materials on the "Red List" of harmful chemicals are present, giving specifiers and end users complete visibility into what they're bringing into their workspace. Okamura is currently the only Japanese furniture manufacturer to hold this certification, a distinction that speaks to the brand's proactive approach to material health.

LEVEL 3: The Highest Sustainability Standard

Alongside the Declare Label, 24 Okamura chair models—including the Contessa II—received LEVEL 3 certification from BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association). LEVEL 3 is the highest tier in BIFMA's sustainability standard, which evaluates products across multiple criteria including energy, material reuse, and environmental impact.

The certification (SCS-SCF-30044) is valid from May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2028, and was awarded under the rigorous ANSI/BIFMA e3 framework. Notably, the Contessa II earned especially high marks in the Health & Wellness category, reinforcing Okamura's reputation for designing chairs that prioritize user well-being.

About the Okamura Contessa Seconda

Designed by legendary Italian automotive and industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Okamura Contessa II (also known as Contessa Seconda) is a premium ergonomic task chair known for its sculptural form and high-performance features.

Key features include:

• Full-mesh backrest with integrated lumbar support

• Adjustable armrests, seat depth, and recline tension

• Sleek, low-profile design that complements modern interiors

• High-quality Japanese engineering and build quality

The chair balances aesthetic refinement with practical ergonomics, making it a popular choice in design-conscious offices and executive environments.

Why These Certifications Matter

As organizations become more discerning about the environmental and health impacts of their furnishings, certifications like Declare and LEVEL 3 offer third-party validation that goes beyond marketing claims. They provide:

• Transparency: Clear insight into materials and chemicals used

• Accountability: Independent verification of sustainability practices

• Healthier workplaces: Reduced exposure to harmful substances

• LEED and WELL credits: Support for green building certification goals

For companies pursuing LEED certification, WELL Building Standard compliance, or simply aiming to create healthier indoor environments, chairs like the Contessa II offer documented performance that can contribute to broader organizational sustainability goals.

Final Thoughts

The Okamura Contessa II's dual certification marks a milestone not just for the brand, but for the Japanese furniture industry as a whole. By meeting some of the world's strictest environmental and material health standards, Okamura has set a new benchmark for transparency and responsibility in ergonomic seating.

If you're specifying furniture for a health-conscious office or simply want a chair that's been rigorously vetted for safety and sustainability, the Contessa II is worth serious consideration.