Designing a Better World: Recycling Powdercoat
Meridian filing and storage units are one of the first products to use counterweights made from the new cement mix containing recycled powdercoat.
Designing for a Better World means being mindful of the environmental impact of our products. In the past this led us to discontinue rosewood until a sustainable alternative could be found. Today it means eliminating one of our largest landfill items: the overspray from our powdercoating process.
Working in collaboration with a local West Michigan supplier, VanderWall Brothers Concrete, Herman Miller has found a way to recycle leftover powdercoat into a cement mix. The mix is used to make the counterweights that sit in the bottom of filing and storage units, preventing them from tipping over when the drawers are extended.
Testing has even shown the recycled powdercoat improves the binding qualities of the cement, producing a stronger block.It may even have applications in construction products.
Solving an industry-wide problem, we decided to share the new process with all of our competitors, ensuring that maximum environmental impact.
That’s what I’m talking about! Way to go Herman Miller! Waste diversion is an important part of an overall green strategy. As a home builder that used to be known as one of the foremost solid waste and recycling experts in the US (before selling my previous company) I applaud you and your efforts to create sensible solutions, under your direct control, for a healthier planet. We need more High End luxury goods producers to take the lead to create momentum in the environmental movement so that Brands like yours and ours are trying to accomplish becomes in vogue and something that we all aspire to! MyGreenBuildings, a 2011 Inc.500 luxury home builder in Sarasota Florida, is maturing into a luxury brand — and when companies with names like Herman Miller that are synonymous with high quality leading the way — we can all benefit from the heightened awareness and cache that you bring to market in a truly Green package! People, Planet, Profit!
Stephen Ellis, CEO, MyGreenBuildings, LLC