Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Herman Miller, Inc., is again demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability with one of its most iconic and successful seating designs–the Aeron chair. Since its 1994 introduction, Aeron has set the global standard for high performance work seating. This renowned design now further distinguishes itself by receiving McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Cradle to Cradle Silver certification for environmentally friendly design.

The certification stems from the company’s commitment to evaluate both new and existing products according to its Design for the Environment (DfE) protocol, based on the Cradle to Cradle criteria, which emphasizes material chemistry and safety, product disassembly and recyclability of materials, and maximizing use of materials with recycled content.

According to Scott Charon, DfE program manager, the quest for Cradle to Cradle certification of an existing product begins with a rigorous evaluation to assess all of the materials used in the company’s products and to identify those that may pose hazards to humans or the environment.

“In Aeron’s case, we particularly addressed the use of PVC in the arm pads. After significant research and collaboration with a new, minority-owned supplier, our ambition for a PVC-free, polyurethane arm pad is now a reality,” he said.

Aeron’s Cradle to Cradle certification also will play a significant role in the company’s 2010 goal to achieve 50 percent of sales from products that meet the DfE protocol. That target is an interim milestone toward the company’s “Perfect Vision” goals for the year 2020, when Herman Miller aims for 100 percent DfE approved product sales.

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