Shaping a Greener Future: The MillerKnoll India Way

At MillerKnoll India, we understand that today's actions shape the world of tomorrow. A commitment to eco-consciousness is fundamental to our entire spectrum of operations, spanning from our facility in Bidadi, Karnataka, to our wider endeavors. Our dedication lies in pioneering an eco-conscious future, seamlessly integrating environmental awareness with cutting-edge design.?

Consistently leading the way in sustainable practices, our global vision is intricately woven with environmental awareness and innovative solutions. This commitment is evident in every aspect of our operations, especially at our Bidadi plant, where ecological responsibility dictates every decision – from production methods to waste management strategies. For example, we've adopted energy-efficient LED lighting, which has significantly reduced our energy consumption. Additionally, we've moved away from single-use plastic and paper cutlery at our offices, opting for more durable steel alternatives. This shift demonstrates our stronger commitment to reducing waste and enhancing sustainability.?

Our strategic decision to localize production at our Bidadi facility reflects MillerKnoll's deep commitment to environmental stewardship. By localising products like Dalby Tables and exclusively producing Lima Monitor Arms in India, we bring these designs closer to our market, significantly reducing the need for long-distance transportation. This crucial step not only cuts down our carbon emissions but also aligns with our overarching goal of diminishing our global carbon footprint.?

At the heart of our sustainable manufacturing process is the use of environmentally friendly boards for furniture production. These boards are selected for their notably low emission levels, ensuring that the materials we use are as environmentally responsible as they are high-quality. This choice is crucial in our pursuit to minimize harmful emissions and reduce our environmental impact. Simultaneously, these materials are integral to our innovative design philosophy. They enable us to craft furniture that marries eco-friendliness with the contemporary, functional aesthetics synonymous with the MillerKnoll brands. Our holistic approach at the Bidadi facility exemplifies this blend of environmental and aesthetic consideration.

Outside of our efforts at the Bidadi plant, here are a few other sustainability initiatives that we have carried out:

• To actively contribute to environmental rejuvenation, our team at MillerKnoll partnered with the Happy World Foundation for a significant ecological initiative. During our Day of Purpose in 2023, this collaboration brought us to plant 1200 saplings using the Miyawaki technique, a method renowned for promoting rapid tree growth and creating dense, bio-diverse forests. The Miyawaki technique, developed by the Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, is designed to restore natural forests. It involves planting a variety of native species close together, which not only accelerates growth but also encourages a rich, self-sustaining ecosystem. By adopting this method, our initiative aims to yield a dense, mature forest in just a few years, a process that would otherwise take decades. This tree-planting endeavor was more than just a symbolic gesture of our commitment to sustainability. It stands as a practical, impactful action towards combating climate change, enhancing local biodiversity, and improving air quality. The selection of saplings included native species suited to the local climate and soil conditions, ensuring the longevity and resilience of the new forest.?
• Our 'Trash to Treasure' initiative, guided by Suma Ravindra, Director-Global Product Engineering, is a prime example of how we transform surplus materials into a resource. Focused on repurposing surplus materials from bulk production periods, this project creates valuable school furniture, including specially designed low-level desks and benches, tailored for students in rural areas. These furniture pieces have been a boon to schools in regions like Malur and nearby communities around Bidadi, offering children a more comfortable and conducive learning environment.
• We believe access to clean water is a fundamental right, not a privilege. That's why we partnered with communities to implement rainwater harvesting systems in government schools across rural India. These schools often faced severe water scarcity, jeopardizing the health of all students, and forcing girls to drop out due to inadequate sanitation facilities. Building on the existing 4,000-liter capacity, we implemented rainwater harvesting systems, providing these schools with reliable access to water, and meeting the daily needs of up to 600 students (6,000-7,000 liters). Imagine the impact: clean water for drinking, handwashing, and sanitation, enabling girls to stay in school and reach their full potential. Every drop collected is a promise kept, nurturing not just the thirsty soil but the dreams of a brighter future.This is our commitment to sustainability – not just for the planet, but for the people who call it home.
• Our commitment to the environment extends beyond our manufacturing processes. A testament to this is our revitalization efforts at Puttenahalli Lake. Here, our team engaged in a comprehensive ecosystem restoration project. We participated in meticulous tasks like trimming hedge plants, pruning overgrown branches, and removing weeds. Our efforts also included raking leaves for composting and creating floating islands using bamboo ladders. These islands are designed to purify the lake's water and support its biodiversity.?

Each initiative we undertake, from the heart of our operations in Bidadi to our broader outreach efforts, represents a vital chapter in MillerKnoll India’s ongoing narrative of environmental stewardship and sustainable development. These endeavors are not isolated acts but interconnected efforts that collectively contribute to a larger vision of a better, greener world. In essence, our story is one of transformation – transforming how we operate, how we impact our surroundings, and how we envision the future.??

To delve deeper into our journey and initiatives, we invite you to explore our Better World report .

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