MillerKnoll, a global leader in office furniture design, has announced its commitment to remove all added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from its North American product lines by May 2025. Known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are increasingly being targeted by safety and regulatory standards. MillerKnoll's decision makes it the first office furniture manufacturer to adopt this initiative, with plans to extend it globally by 2027.
Photo: MillerKnoll.
'Our products already meet or exceed global PFAS regulations, but we are committed to going further,' said Gabe Wing, Vice President of Sustainability at MillerKnoll. 'We are focused on exceeding safety standards, meeting regulatory demands, and setting a benchmark for chemical transparency.'
A legacy of innovation and safety
MillerKnoll has long been at the forefront of sustainable and safe practices in furniture manufacturing. Its brands have a history of adopting green chemistry, with milestones such as the reduction of air emissions in 1978, the elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in manufacturing by the 1980s, and the adoption of water-based adhesives and finishes. In 2016, Herman Miller became the first office furniture company to remove flame retardants from task seating products, and by 2019, it had eliminated methylene chloride blowing agents from its supply chain.
In 2023, MillerKnoll's brand Maharam received recognition from BuildingGreen for its efforts to remove PFAS from its product lines. This work included co-authoring a third-party study to critically examine the performance rationale for PFAS use.
Recognition for chemical transparency
MillerKnoll's efforts have also been acknowledged by the Chemical Footprint Project (CFP), an initiative by Clean Production Action that evaluates companies on their chemical safety strategies. MillerKnoll was named both a Frontrunner and Disclosure Leader in the 2023 CFP Report. The company's commitment to transparency and safer chemical practices places it alongside major organisations such as Walmart, Whole Foods Market, and Clorox in the CFP's recognition programme.
Disclosure Leaders are distinguished by their willingness to publicly share their survey scores and progress. Gabe Wing noted that this aligns with MillerKnoll's vision of creating healthier, sustainable products and spaces while addressing growing consumer and regulatory expectations.
Moving towards a greener future
By committing to eliminate PFAS, MillerKnoll sets an example for other industries to prioritise sustainability and safety. Its vision reflects a broader goal of redefining modern furniture design to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
MillerKnoll's portfolio includes renowned brands such as Herman Miller, Knoll, Maharam, Muuto, and Design Within Reach. With its innovative approach to design and sustainability, the company continues to lead in creating environmentally responsible products.
As the demand for chemical transparency and safer alternatives increases, MillerKnoll's bold steps serve as a model for advancing sustainable practices in the furniture industry.
More information:
MillerKnoll
www.millerknoll.com