Image: Patrick Lems, founder of NO-EM, presents the Infinity office chair, the world’s first fully circular and modular office chair.
“This is the last chair you’ll ever need to buy”: Patrick Lems on NO-EM’s Infinity”
After years of development, Patrick Lems unveiled the Infinity office chair during Design District 2025, the first fully circular chair of its kind. Behind this launch is a personal mission: to fundamentally transform the furniture industry through a bold, sustainable business model.
Circular Thinking Requires Real Change
“Many companies claim to be circular because they use recycled materials,” says Patrick. “But that’s really just a clever way of continuing business as usual. True change requires to go further.”
His vision is clear: “Chairs produce emissions not from being used, but from being made and recycled. If we extend the product’s lifespan, we eliminate those polluting stages.”
A Chair That Adapts for Life
With NO-EM, you’re not buying just a chair, you’re investing in a concept that evolves with you. “Tired of the color? Just switch out the upholstery,” says Patrick. “Want to turn an office chair into a meeting chair? Swap a few components and you’re there.”
Thanks to its modular design, individual parts can be replaced as they wear out. “If your workspace changes, you simply reconfigure the chair. And when you no longer need it, we take it back and you’re compensated for its value.”
A Collaborative Ecosystem
What makes NO-EM truly unique is its business ecosystem. “In traditional models, designers, manufacturers, and sellers only profit from the first sale,” explains Patrick. “They’re excluded when a product is reused.”
NO-EM flips this model. “We partner with designer Robert Bronwasser, component producer Bock, and service partner 706 Seating Group. Whether it’s the first, second, or tenth use, they all continue to earn a share. This keeps everyone involved and invested in the product’s lifecycle.”
He adds: “When a component comes back, the producer buys it instead of sourcing new raw materials. The designer receives a fee for every new transaction, keeping them motivated to improve the product over time. It’s not a linear model anymore, but a thriving ecosystem of reuse.”
Purchase or Subscription? You Decide
NO-EM offers flexible access to the chair. “We prefer the subscription model, where we remain the owner,” says Patrick. “That way, we ensure the chair re-enters the system when it’s no longer needed.”
“But for those who prefer to buy, that’s an option too. We just make clear agreements around registration and maintenance to keep the circular model intact.”
A Personal Mission
For Patrick, NO-EM is more than a business. “I’m someone who wants to fix things when they break. But I noticed that many products today just aren’t made to be repaired. That has to change.”
“I believe we all need to take steps toward a circular economy, not by preaching, but by showing it can be done. A beautiful, comfortable, fully functional chair that’s also 100% circular.”
“My hope is that NO-EM will inspire others to join this movement. Because together, we really can make a difference.”
Questions?
Give us a call
Or send an e-mail
