Reducing ocean-bound plastic

As part of NextWave Plastics, Herman Miller is working to divert ocean-bound plastic waste and put it to use in its products and processes. Learn how.

Sustainability

Ocean-bound plastic

As a MillerKnoll dealer, we're happy to represent a Herman Miller initiative that works to develop the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains through NextWave Plastics. By integrating this transformed plastic into Herman Miller’s products and processes, they are reducing the volume of plastic waste, little by little.

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See how Herman Miller is using ocean-bound plastic

What is ocean-bound plastic and how does it work? View this video to see how Herman Miller is working to incorporate this plastic waste into their products and processes.

Ocean-bound plastic

Why it's a problem

Plastic waste tends to build up in coastal cities that don't have the infrastructure to process it. As part of NextWave Plastics, Herman Miller is working to turn this plastic into something brand-new. See how they do it.

Ocean-bound plastic

The process

The raw materials are washed, sorted, and pelletized. Then, they're sold to manufacturers like Herman Miller, where they test and re-engineer the plastic. Finally, this plastic is incorporated into a growing number of Herman Miller products and packaging.

Ocean bound plastic herman miller aeron chair

Plastic diversion

An estimated 234 metric tons of ocean-bound plastic are diverted from the ocean annually. That's the equivalent of 23 million water bottles.*

*based on annual sales forecast

Herman Miller products made with ocean-bound plastic

Herman Miller is continually finding ways to add ocean-bound plastic into its products. Availability of these types of products vary by global region.