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

Since 2012, Haworth has been zero waste to landfill for manufacturing operations globally. The foundational, company-wide philosophy of “Making the world better,” inspires Haworth to research and develop sustainable solutions that help protect and restore the environment, strengthen global communities, and inspire well-being – now and for the future.

In 2019, the Holland, Michigan-based office furniture manufacturer gathered 64 of its top leaders from its Commercial Interiors, Lifestyle Designs, and Performance Technology departments to create a collaborative comprised of its own industry experts as well as those outside of its industry, The goal was to develop ambitious targets for leveraging the company’s core strengths and driving its overall mission forward. The collaborative came up with a focused strategy centered on three key areas of continuous improvement. The first, a sustainability strategy focused on circular economy, was identified as critical for the long-term viability of Haworth’s business.

West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum has selected Haworth as this year’s recipient of the West Michigan Circular Economy Leadership Award.  The award recognizes an organization that has led successful efforts to promote waste diversion and the development of a circular economy in West Michigan through excellence of internal programs and practices or promotion of diversion within its clients or community. 

Informed by a commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) and the actions needed to address challenges facing the world, Haworth is eager to continue this journey by promoting sustainability and delivering value to the people, communities, and planet that it serves.

To accomplish this, Haworth is integrating Circular Design principles into its Design for Sustainability program and new product introduction process. In addition, the company is establishing circular services that capture resource value at the end of product use phase. These two core programs allow Haworth to meet customer needs in different ways and capture additional value from its products.

Dominic Daunter, Global Design, Innovation and Sustainability Director at Haworth

In 2020, development of its Circular Design Guide and supporting tools have been integrated within its new product introduction process. The Guide both educates Haworth’s design and engineering teams on circular design principles and equips them to make informed decisions regarding sustainability and circularity early in the design process. 

With its composting partner Cocoa, Haworth has developed a technique and formula that successfully composts laminated work surfaces in Holland.  After delaminating the laminate, Haworth composts the leftover composite wood panels. After extensive analytical testing of the process throughout, EGLE approved the resulting compost as an inert material, which can be sold as a soil amendment and applied to land, finalizing a technological breakthrough. 

Haworth was recognized by WMSBF with its 2020 West Michigan Circular Economy Leadership Award.

Haworth Inc. is a privately held, family-owned office furniture manufacturer headquartered in Holland, Michigan.  Founded in 1948 by G.W. Haworth, the company designs and manufacturers adaptable workspaces, including movable walls, systems furniture, seating, storage, and wood casegoods.