MillerKnoll, a global collective of design brands, has announced a new sustainability strategy alongside the publication of its 2024 Better World Report. The initiative sets out comprehensive commitments to reduce environmental impact while fostering sustainability across its operations, products, and supply chains.
'Climate change is an urgent, global challenge, and at MillerKnoll, we are taking bold steps to drive change,' said Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll. 'Our associates are working with our partners, suppliers, and customers to further improve the sustainability of our processes, products, and the spaces we design. These new goals build upon our history of environmental stewardship and represent an ongoing commitment to design for the good of humankind.'
'We aim to transform how we design, manufacture, deliver, and maintain furnishings. It starts the moment a design is conceived and continues even after a product has reached the end of its life,' said Sean McDowell, SVP of Innovation and Sustainability at MillerKnoll. 'Our refined sustainability strategy establishes clear short- and long-term goals to drive meaningful improvements in carbon, materials, and circularity across every stage of our product journey to drive lasting change.'
A major component of the initiative is the company's pledge to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This commitment encompasses sustainable material selection, energy and waste reduction, smarter packaging and logistics, and supply chain collaboration. Specific actions include prioritising low-carbon and recycled materials, transitioning to renewable energy sources, eliminating single-use plastic packaging, and engaging suppliers to drive efficiency and minimise waste. Additionally, MillerKnoll has introduced a global take-back programme to refurbish, resell, or recycle furniture, regardless of its condition.
To measure progress, the company has set a series of short-term goals. These include eliminating added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in North America by 2025 and globally by 2027, transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2026, and establishing logistics carbon baselines with reduction targets by the same year. Further milestones include increasing furniture waste diversion to 10 million pounds by 2027, publishing carbon footprints for its top 100 products annually, and achieving a 25% reduction in their carbon footprint by 2030. The company also aims to exceed 75% recycled content in its top textiles and ensure 90% of its natural materials are sustainably harvested and ethically sourced by the end of the decade.
The 2024 Better World Report provides an overview of MillerKnoll's sustainability performance from the past three fiscal years. Notable achievements include sourcing approximately 75% of its electricity from renewable sources, halving waste production across its global facilities since 2022, and reducing single-use plastic packaging by 52% since 2020. The report also highlights the integration of innovative materials such as bamboo-based upholstery and eelgrass-based foam in product design.
MillerKnoll's latest strategy represents a significant step in its mission to redefine sustainable design within the furniture industry. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of its business, the company aims to drive long-term environmental benefits while maintaining a commitment to responsible innovation.
More information:
MillerKnoll
www.millerknoll.com