Planet
Climate change is not just a distant threat. It is an urgent challenge confronting us today. So, we’re taking bold steps toward a more sustainable future for the planet we share.
Our mission is to design and make the world’s best products in the most sustainable way.
Sustainability is a shared responsibility
Together with our partners, clients, and suppliers, we are working to drive meaningful change and make a lasting difference in the way we design, manufacture, deliver, and maintain furnishings and the built environment.
Carbon
We strive to design the lowest carbon-footprint products and commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Materials
We are working to use sustainable, 100% bio-based or recycled materials by 2050.
Circularity
We aim to design timeless, durable products with zero waste by 2050.
‘We will be good stewards of the environment’
Since 1953, when Herman Miller founder D.J. De Pree established environmental stewardship as a company priority, our brands have been pioneers in sustainability. These timelines provide a snapshot of what we’ve accomplishments since.
1953
“We will be good stewards of the Earth”
D.J. De Pree, Founder, Herman Miller
1991
Named a founding member of US Green Building Council
Herman Miller helped the USGBC establish its LEED certification program, which rewards buildings that reduce stress on the environment.
1995
Opened the GreenHouse operations center
Our GreenHouse facility in Holland repurposed an industrial site, restored its surroundings, and became a LEED Pioneer building.
2004
Earned Cradle to Cradle certification
The Herman Miller Design for Environment (DfE) team worked with designers at Studio 7.5 to help the Mirra Chair earn Cradle to Cradle certification, a first for an office product.
2009
Launched rePurpose
Herman Miller launched the rePurpose program to give new life to used products. To date, it has diverted up to 98 percent of products from landfills.
2016
Partnered with Ecomedes
Ecomedes simplified sustainable product sourcing with one-click sustainability reports, making it easy to browse the catalog for certifications, eco labels, and more.
2018
Joined NextWave Plastics as founding member
In four years, NextWave grew to include 11 member companies. It is a consortium working to develop the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains.
2019
Eliminated plastic water bottles
Herman Miller eliminated plastic water bottles at all facilities and set the goal to reduce single-use plastic in packaging by 30 percent.
2020
Named in top 1 percent in EcoVadis CSR rating
Herman Miller joined the top 1 percent to receive this rating, which measures the quality and results of company CSR systems.
2021
Launched Revenio textile collection
Revenio implemented 100-percent recycled content and biodegradable polyester in its design.
Our purpose-led work goes beyond sustainability
Our Better World pillars include planet, community, and people. Explore other ways we’re using the power of design to shape a better world.
Community
We are building a culture that champions associate engagement, nurtures and rewards talent, and provides opportunities for career growth.
People
We are building a culture that champions associate engagement, nurtures and rewards talent, and provides opportunities for career growth.
Better World
Our annual impact report is a record of the good work we’ve done over the past few years through our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.