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Herman Miller’s Journey Towards Environmental Sustainability
Herman Miller, a globally recognised name in design and furniture manufacturing, has long stood as a beacon of innovation, quality, and responsibility. But beyond their iconic chairs and modernist contributions to workspace design, Herman Miller has earned a significant reputation for its deep-rooted commitment to environmental sustainability. From the mid-20th century to the present day, the company has been consistently working to reduce its environmental footprint while leading the industry in sustainable practices.
DJ De Pree: “We will be a good corporate neighbour by being a good steward of the environment.”
Ocean Bound Plastics
Herman Miller is a founding member of NextWave Plastics, a collaborative consortium dedicated to creating the world’s first global network of supply chains that utilise ocean-bound plastics. This initiative brings together leading companies committed to intercepting plastic waste before it enters the ocean, and transforming it into valuable, usable materials for manufacturing.
Recycling Process
Plastic waste tends to build up in coastal cities around the world, which don’t have the necessary infrastructure to process it.
These initiatives see suppliers now working with local teams in order to collect and sort through this waste, looking for any items which can be recycled. Old bottles, crates and other types of packaging are sorted, washed and ground into pellets, ready to be be bought by manufacturers such as Herman Miller.
Waste Plastic Manufactured into New Products
The plastic pellets are tested and re-engineered into new plastic parts and components. This includes chair parts, office accessories, textiles and packaging.
The ocean-bound plastic for the Aeron office chair is currently sourced from India and Indonesia.
“We’re doing more than making an environmental impact,” said Bob Teasley, Director of Supply Management at Herman Miller. “By working with coastal communities around the world to harvest ocean-bound plastic, we’re increasing demand, creating jobs and boosting economies.”
The Aeron Range
Depending on the specific configuration, ocean-bound plastic is incorporated into the frame and tilt covers of the Aeron chair, with each chair containing between 226.8 grams and 1.13 kilograms of this repurposed material. This amount is roughly equivalent to 23 to 114 discarded plastic water bottles. The Onyx Ultra Matte colour option features the highest concentration of ocean-bound plastic, with just under 1.13 kilograms per chair. Additionally, all models within the Aeron Collection are designed with sustainability in mind—each chair is made from over 50 per cent recycled materials and is up to 90 per cent recyclable at the end of its life.
Other Recycled Herman Miller Products
The Aeron isn’t the only range which takes advantage of recycled materials. Take a look at the ever expanding portfolio of these chairs below:
Herman Miller's Environmental Initiatives Over the Years
Early Sustainability Efforts
Herman Miller began integrating environmental responsibility into its operations in the 1970s and 1980s. The company introduced recycling schemes, reduced manufacturing waste, and explored safer materials, such as water-based adhesives and low-impact finishes.
By the 1990s, sustainability became more structured. In 1993, Herman Miller launched the Design for the Environment (DfE) protocol, a framework ensuring every product was designed with its full life cycle in mind—from materials to disposal.
Designing with the Planet in Mind
DfE led to innovations in product design, particularly in disassembly and transparency. Products like the Mirra and Embody chairs were crafted with high recycled content, could be easily recycled, and were manufactured to minimise emissions and waste.
Materials and Supply Chain Ethics
Materials have remained central to Herman Miller’s strategy. The company avoids harmful substances and champions circular design principles. Collaborations with groups like The Ocean Cleanup and NextWave Plastics have allowed the integration of ocean-bound plastics into products—turning waste into resource.
Herman Miller also ensures suppliers follow strict environmental and ethical standards, from raw material sourcing to water and energy use, helping to reduce impacts across the supply chain.
Sustainable Operations and Green Buildings
Operational sustainability has been just as important. The GreenHouse facility in Michigan, opened in 1995, was a pioneer in green building. It uses passive solar energy, efficient systems, and natural light to reduce environmental impact.
The company has significantly cut emissions, energy usage, and waste. Over 95% of manufacturing waste is now diverted from landfill. Staff also participate in green initiatives—from energy saving to sustainable travel—making sustainability part of everyday culture.
Certifications and Honest Reporting
Herman Miller seeks third-party certifications, including GREENGUARD for low-emission products. Annual Sustainability Reports detail environmental progress and challenges, offering full transparency and encouraging industry-wide change.
Following its 2021 integration into the MillerKnoll collective, Herman Miller has gained greater reach and resources to scale its sustainability impact across multiple design brands.
Towards a Circular Future
Herman Miller is now focused on building a circular economy—keeping materials in use through recycling, refurbishing, and responsible disposal. This approach eliminates waste and ensures long-term sustainability.
Investments in take-back programmes, product redesign, and circular systems are central to this effort, helping customers and communities reduce environmental impact together.
Conclusion
What started as a promise in 1953—to be a “good steward of the environment”—has become a defining part of Herman Miller’s identity. From eco-conscious design and ethical operations to green facilities and industry leadership, the company sets a strong example of how business can support both people and the planet.
As environmental challenges grow, Herman Miller’s legacy continues to inspire, showing that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand for a better, more responsible future.
