Haworth Circular Economy Optimizes Resources, Reduces Waste, and Closes the Loop

Since 2012, Haworth has achieved zero waste to landfill across its global manufacturing operations, an accomplishment rooted in the company’s long-standing philosophy of “Making the world better.” Headquartered in Holland, Michigan, Haworth has positioned circular economy principles as a core business strategy, strengthening environmental performance while delivering long-term value to customers and communities.

The story of Haworth’s circular leadership is most relevant across West Michigan, where the company is headquartered, and globally, where its manufacturing and design practices influence supply chains, customers, and industry peers. By embedding sustainability into decision-making at every level, Haworth demonstrates how manufacturers can align business success with environmental stewardship.

Circular Design and Zero-Waste Innovation Across Haworth Operations

In 2019, Haworth convened 64 senior leaders from its Commercial Interiors, Lifestyle Design, and Performance Technology businesses to set ambitious targets for advancing the company’s mission. This cross-functional collaborative identified three priority areas for continuous improvement, with circular economy strategy emerging as foundational to Haworth’s future.

Central to this effort is Haworth’s Design for Sustainability program, which integrates circular design principles directly into the company’s new product introduction process. In 2020, Haworth launched its Circular Design Guide, equipping designers and engineers with tools to consider material health, durability, reuse, and end-of-life outcomes early in the design phase.

Beyond design, Haworth has invested in circular services that recover resource value at the end of a product’s life. These services allow customers to engage with Haworth beyond traditional ownership models, extending product life while reducing waste and material extraction.

One of Haworth’s most innovative circular breakthroughs is its partnership with Cocoa, a Holland-based composting company. Together, they developed a process to compost laminated work surfaces – materials historically destined for landfill. After delaminating the laminate, Haworth composts the remaining composite wood panels. Following extensive testing, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy approved the resulting compost as an inert soil amendment, closing the loop on a challenging waste stream.

These efforts were recognized by the West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, which named Haworth the recipient of the West Michigan Circular Economy Leadership Award, honoring the company’s excellence in waste diversion, innovation, and leadership within the regional business community.