Herman Miller's filing and storage product portfolio is adding another distinction to the company's distinguished environmental record. The product lines of Teneo, Tu and Meridian have all been awarded McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC) Silver certification, marking the first time a company has achieved certification for its entire filing and storage collection.
"Storage is a significant part of the workstation as well as group and community spaces," says Katie Lane, Herman Miller's director of Filing and Storage. "It should have the same environmentally friendly expectations as any other product in the work environment."
Teneo, Tu and Meridian products have been evaluated by Herman Miller's rigorous Design for the Environment protocol, emphasizing safe materials, recyclability and ease of disassembly. Additionally, Teneo products are readily repurposed and reconfigured to extend their use, while the steel cases in Tu and Meridian are 100 percent recyclable and use powder coating for all metal parts. All product lines are GREENGUARD-certified.
The MBDC Silver certification and GREENGUARD certification do not apply to products specified with laminate or veneer.
Kris Spaulding, program manager for the company's Design for the Environment team, explains that achieving certification for the existing filing and storage lines was a rewarding experience. "Teneo was designed according to our DfE protocol, but Tu and Meridian required some components to be replaced with more sustainable solutions," she says. "Through extensive testing and evaluation, we were able to discover sound, environmentally friendly alternatives and that's a good feeling."
About Herman Miller Inc.
Recognized for both its innovative products and business practices, Herman Miller strives to create a better world around you—with inventive designs and services that enhance the places where people work, heal, learn and live—and through its commitment to social responsibility. In fiscal 2008, the company's award-winning products and strategic consulting services generated more than $2 billion in revenue. Go to www.hermanmiller.com to learn more.