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MillerKnoll's Commitment to a Sustainable Future

MillerKnoll, a distinguished group of design brands, has recently announced an ambitious sustainability strategy. This new initiative is part of their 2024 Better World Report, which reflects the company's commitment to fostering a better environment for its employees, worldwide communities, and the planet. The CEO of MillerKnoll, Andi Owen, emphasized the urgent need for action against climate change and highlighted the company's proactive measures to enhance sustainability across all areas of their operations.

Key Focus Areas for Sustainability

At the core of MillerKnoll's sustainability strategy are three pivotal areas:

1. Carbon: The company aims to produce items with the lowest possible carbon footprints while targeting net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050.
2. Materials: A mission to incorporate 100% bio-based or recycled materials underscores their commitment to utilizing sustainable materials in product design.
3. Circularity: MillerKnoll strives to create long-lasting products that minimize waste, aiming for zero waste by 2050.

As Sean McDowell, SVP of Innovation and Sustainability at MillerKnoll, states, the company's goal is to reimagine how products are designed, manufactured, and maintained to ensure minimal environmental impact. They recognize that this responsibility starts as soon as a product is conceived, extending well beyond its lifecycle.

Pathway to Net-Zero

MillerKnoll is aware that each decision they make—from material selection to energy consumption—leads to a carbon footprint. To combat this, they are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in pursuit of net-zero by 2050. Their initiatives include prioritizing renewable energy in their production processes, minimizing waste, and transitioning to smart logistics practices, focusing on using AI for better efficiency.

Concrete Initiatives Include:

• - Sustainable Materials: Emphasis on natural and recycled materials, ensuring product safety for both individuals and the environment.
• - Energy and Waste Management: Commitment to renewable energy and efficient water usage across their manufacturing facilities.
• - Smart Packaging: Significant reduction in single-use plastics and optimization of transportation emissions by transitioning to biofuel and electric options.
• - Supply Chain Collaboration: Engaging partners to reduce waste, improving efficiency across their operations.

Additionally, they have established a Global Take-Back Program, allowing them to reclaim and responsibly manage the lifecycle of their furniture, enhancing sustainability efforts.

Short-Term Goals

To achieve these ambitious objectives, MillerKnoll has set several short-term goals for themselves, including:

• - Eliminating harmful PFAS chemicals across North America by 2025 and globally by 2027.
• - Transitioning to 100% renewable electricity by 2026.
• - Establishing logistic carbon baselines and developing reduction strategies by the same year.
• - Aiming to divert ten million pounds (approximately 4.5 million kg) of furniture waste from landfills by 2027.
• - Achieving a 25% reduction in carbon footprint for their top 100 products by 2030.

These initiatives showcase MillerKnoll's dedication to not only meeting but exceeding industry standards in sustainability practices, embodying a commitment to a healthier planet.

About the 2024 Better World Report

The 2024 Better World Report evaluates MillerKnoll's performance concerning key environmental and social initiatives between FY2022 and FY2024.

Some notable highlights from the report include:

• - Roughly 75% of their energy is sourced from renewable sources.
• - Achieving a 50% reduction in waste across global facilities since FY2022.
• - A 52% decrease in single-use plastic packaging since 2020.

The full report can be accessed at MillerKnoll’s official website.

Conclusion

MillerKnoll represents a model for sustainable business practices in the modern world. As a collective of innovative brands, they are not only focused on economic success but also on creating a positive impact on society and the environment. Their commitment sets a precedent for other businesses to follow and fosters a vision of a sustainable future that benefits everyone.