Can design make the world a better place? MillerKnoll shows how social responsibility and innovation can go hand in hand. In the ‘Better World Report 2024’, the company provides insights into its approaches to sustainability, social projects and future-orientated action.

Sustainability with clear goals

Sustainability is more than just a trend at MillerKnoll. The company is continuously working on making design processes more environmentally friendly and has set itself concrete goals:

• Net zero emissions by 2050: through products with a low CO₂ footprint and climate protection measures along the entire supply chain.
  • 100% renewable energy by 2026.
  • Annual publication of the carbon footprint of the top 100 products by 2028.
  • 25% CO₂ reduction for the top 100 products by 2030.
  • Climate targets for the 25 largest suppliers by 2027.
• Material targets by 2050: focus on 100% sustainable, bio-based or recycled materials.
  • Over 75% recycled content in the top 100 textiles by 2030.
  • 90% sustainably harvested and ethically sourced natural materials by 2030.
  • Elimination of PFAS in North America by 2025, globally by 2027.
• Circular economy by 2050: development of durable products without waste.
  • Zero landfill waste at the five largest production sites by 2030.
  • Elimination of single-use plastic in packaging at production sites by 2030.
  • Divert 4.5 million kg of furniture waste from landfill by 2027.

One example: the Mirra 2 chair, whose carbon footprint was reduced by a further 17% in 2024 – a step towards environmentally friendly product design.

Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll, describes in the ‘Better World Report’ that good design is created when a problem is so well understood that the solution seems unavoidable. It’s about overcoming the status quo and creating solutions that make a positive difference for everyone. According to Owen, the report reflects how the company is living its vision of ‘Design for the good of humankind’ – through more sustainable products, processes and spaces, as well as positive impacts on communities worldwide. Owen emphasises that MillerKnoll has already achieved a great deal in recent years, but is convinced that this is just the beginning of what is possible together.

Focus on social responsibility

With the ‘Global Day of Purpose’, MillerKnoll gives its employees worldwide the opportunity to participate in social projects. In 2024, this led to impressive results:

• 13,000 volunteer hours in 175 cities,
• 400 social activities such as park cleaning and blood donations,
• 68,000 USD donated by the workforce

Programmes such as GirlsBuild! also promote the next generation: girls aged 7 to 10 get their first insight into design and architecture.

“It’s rewarding to witness the collective impact that can be made when individuals come together for a cause greater than themselves.”- Rachel McCune, Global Ambassador of MillerKnoll

Diversity and culture as drivers of innovation

MillerKnoll is committed to a corporate culture that actively promotes diversity and enables innovation. With programmes such as Days of Understanding and Business Resource Groups, the company creates spaces for openness and collaboration.

Support in difficult times is provided by the Global Associate Relief Fund, which helps employees quickly in emergencies.

Responsibility that inspires

MillerKnoll shows that responsible behaviour and economic success are not mutually exclusive. It is not about perfection, but about a continuous process that proves how design can become a driver for positive change.

As a Certified Dealer and partner of MillerKnoll, we are proud to share this vision and work together to create solutions that combine sustainability, design and functionality.

With the Hauser x MillerKnoll partnership, we want to show how together we can create working environments that inspire – now and in the future.

Thank you for reading our blog! You can find more exciting content on our news page.

You can read the whole Better World Report 2024 by Miller Knoll here.

We really appreciate you being part of our community.

Best regards,

Giulia