MillerKnoll's New Sustainability Strategy: A Path to Net-Zero by 2050

MillerKnoll, a global collective of dynamic design brands, has unveiled its new sustainability strategy, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, sustainable materials usage, and zero waste production by 2050. The company's 2024 Better World Report highlights its progress towards these ambitious goals and the challenges it faces in the journey to a more sustainable future.

MillerKnoll's new sustainability strategy focuses on three key areas: Carbon, Materials, and Circularity. The company aims to design the lowest carbon-footprint products, use sustainable, 100% bio-based or recycled materials, and create timeless, durable products with zero waste by 2050. To achieve these goals, MillerKnoll has implemented various initiatives, such as prioritizing natural, low-carbon, and recycled materials, using renewable energy, minimizing waste and water use, reducing single-use plastic packaging, and collaborating with suppliers to drive efficiency.

The company's 2024 Better World Report demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and its progress towards its 2030 goals. Some of the most significant achievements and challenges highlighted in the report include:

1. Carbon:
* MillerKnoll has reduced its carbon footprint by 25% for its top 100 products, exceeding its 2030 goal of a 20% reduction.
* The company has eliminated single-use plastic packaging at all manufacturing sites, achieving its 2030 goal.
* MillerKnoll has established carbon baselines and set reduction goals for its top 25 suppliers, demonstrating its commitment to reducing emissions throughout its supply chain.
* Challenges: MillerKnoll still has work to do in reducing the carbon footprint of its top 100 products by an additional 25% to reach its 2030 goal of a 50% reduction.
2. Materials:
* MillerKnoll has achieved 75% recycled content in its top 100 textiles, exceeding its 2030 goal of 70%.
* The company has increased the use of sustainably harvested, ethically sourced natural materials to 90%, meeting its 2030 goal.
* MillerKnoll has eliminated added per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in North America by FY2025 and globally by FY2027, demonstrating its commitment to safe chemistry.
* Challenges: MillerKnoll still has work to do in increasing the use of sustainable, 100% bio-based or recycled materials to 100% by 2050, as per its long-term goal.
3. Circularity:
* MillerKnoll has achieved zero landfill for its top 5 manufacturing sites, meeting its 2030 goal.
* The company has increased furniture waste diverted from landfills to 10 million pounds (approximately 4.5 million kg) by FY2027, exceeding its 2030 goal of 5 million pounds.
* MillerKnoll has established a global take-back program, demonstrating its commitment to circularity.
* Challenges: MillerKnoll still has work to do in creating timeless, durable products with zero waste by 2050, as per its long-term goal.

MillerKnoll's new sustainability strategy and progress towards its 2030 goals demonstrate the company's commitment to creating a more sustainable and equitable future. By focusing on carbon reduction, sustainable materials, and circularity, MillerKnoll aims to drive long-term business success while minimizing its environmental impact. As the company continues to innovate and adapt, it is well-positioned to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals and contribute to a more sustainable world.