Mirra Chair

The Cradle-to-Cradle design process (C2C) aims to develop a product, as well as its component materials, that can be reused or recycled at the end of its product life cycle instead of becoming waste. C2C focuses on reducing toxic pollution, waste, and redesigning industrial processes in order to avoid waste and pollution initially. Herman Miller, an internationally acclaimed furniture design house, made the decision to adopt this design process to move the company toward environmental sustainability. Implementing this design process took time, patience, and reevaluation but Herman Miller made it happen with the Mirra chair. The Mirra chair was to be designed from beginning to end using the C2C process. First, a basic concept of the product was developed and high-level specifications were outlined before the specific features were identified. Next, …show more content…
PVC is cheap, durable, and scratch resistant, however, it is classified as a red material due to the toxins it releases during manufacturing and disposal (Lee and Bony, 2009). It also caused the death of 87 people in a PVC pipe fire in 1980 (Lee and Bony, 2009). Thermoplastic urethane or TPU was a more environmentally friendly, yet more costly alternative; using TPU would increase the cost of arm pad assembly by 30% (Lee and Bony, 2009). In this case, it is money/savings versus following heritage. Herman Miller prides itself on being an environmental leader in the furniture industry and environmental advocacy being apart of its heritage (Lee and Bony, 2009). I believe, sticking to one’s image and heritage is more important than saving money. The Mirra chair is being marketed as a “green” product, but would contain a material that is far from being green. Can business and morals both be incorporated or does one prevail over the other? Herman Miller as a company must decide