At Haworth, our sustainability journey is guided by our core values and more than 75 years of experience; we are committed to this journey through our leadership, our members and the impact we make in the world as we strive to achieve our goals and advance our mission in a clear and responsible manner.
We think beyond our business with a collective purpose to make the world better. As we strive to be a sustainable organization, Haworth empowers and engages its members in practices and processes that positively impact our global communities, economy, and environment. We’ve set ambitious targets in each of our key areas of focus, which are outlined at the end of each section throughout the page.
Sustainability is a companywide commitment informed by and integrated into our business strategy. Governance is led by the Haworth Board of Directors and Executive Leadership team.
Making the world better is one of Haworth’s foundational, company-wide values. This philosophy guides our members every day. Through our research, development, and the actualization of creative, sustainable solutions, we help protect and restore the environment, support and strengthen global communities, and inspire well-being, creating shared value – now and for the future.
Download Past Reports
As part of our sustainability journey, we committed to a set of goals to be achieved by 2025 across three key pillars of our organization: People, Circular Economy and Operational Performance. As we reflect on our progress in 2023, we are proud to highlight the significant progress we have made toward achieving these goals.
We empower our 8,000 members around the world to connect and bring a spirit of optimism, drive, inclusiveness, and appreciation for service. We recognize that our success is intrinsically linked to the health and vitality of the communities where we live and work. It is an honor and privilege to apply the assets, capabilities, and resources that help make us successful to efforts that help communities thrive.
2024 Highlight Volunteering More than 1,100 Haworth Group members from 17 countries engaged with their communities in 2024. Members participated in 46,292 hours of volunteer activity. Going forward, we will continue efforts to maintain this achievement and support volunteerism throughout Haworth Group.
DEIB We are focused to continuous learning through global programs of member performance and development. In 2024, 89% of Haworth Commercial Interiors members (excluding AIS) completed at least one training and development program, incl. business systems training, continuous improvement training, member talent development.
A circular economy optimizes continual use of resources, reducing waste, and enabling a closed loop system. It is one of the biggest opportunities to design a sustainable future – and an essential part of our strategy.
2024 Highlight Circular Design Within Haworth Commercial Interiors, all products were evaluated for alignment to our circular design philosophy.
Second Life Pilot We are currently working on pilot projects to continue to validate our approach to a more circular business model, as well as the development of circular ecosystems necessary to be successful. Product End-of-Life Program Circular services have been rolled out to customers of Haworth Commercial Interiors worldwide. We are working across Haworth Group to incorporate similar programs. Through these programs, we’ve measured 2,297 tons of furniture diverted from landfills globally in 2024.
As we focus on improving our global footprint, manufacturing and environmental responsibility are not trade-offs – neither are profit and people. We continue to seek opportunities to address the environmental impact of our business in all facets of our operations.
2024 Highlight Validated SBTi Net-Zero Targets In the near-term, by 2030, we have committed to reduce operational emissions by 60% and reduce supply chain emissions by 42% (compared to 2021 levels). In the long-term, by 2050, we have committed to reduce both operational and supply chain emissions by 90% (compared to 2021 levels). We are also striving to reduce our product-level emissions through strategies like sourcing higher recycled-content and low-carbon materials, creating lighter weight designs, and optimizing shipping solutions.
Holistic Product Certifications Certifications offer a common methodology to present the environmental and social characteristics of products, and product manufacturing sites. With 206 products certified under the BIFMA LEVEL program and 20 products certified under the European LEVEL program (European Office Furniture Federation Sustainability Standard), Haworth continues to be an industry leader in achieving global accredited certifications.
Haworth France has achieved a rating of 98/100, as per the statistics collected in 2024 from an analysis encompassing 171 employees spread across 3 office locations in France. Haworth is committed to gender pay equality, and we are dedicated to maintaining this achievement while striving for even greater transparency on this aspect.
Becoming a sustainable corporation involves commitment by all our members, suppliers, and partners. To help translate our strategy, we use a value cycle that serves as a framework to guide our actions.
Continue managing quality, environment, health, and safety, as well as maintaining ISO certifications. Optimizing global resource use, including energy, water, waste, and carbon reductions.
Engaging with supplier partners in continuous dialogue to ensure responsible sourcing and carbon reductions.
Providing life cycle assessments and maximizing product life spans. Supporting customers by educating on landfill alternatives and offering tailored circular service solutions.
Earning top certifications, promoting healthy spaces, and fostering well-being.
Designing with people and the environment in mind, through sustainable material choices and the avoidance of harmful chemicals.
Strengthening members, communities, and the marketplace by helping to restore the environment and protect ecosystems; supporting people through volunteerism, health and safety protocols, and continuing education.
We are committed to our stakeholders and continuously strive to improve our resilience in the global market. We achieve this by aligning ourselves with standards and certifications that reflect our sustainability values.
Ecovadis Sustainability Rating Gold
Products certified for low indoor air emissions (SCS Indoor advantage and SCS Indoor advantage Gold)
Products certified in Bifma Level 2
A circular economy requires that products are designed so that all materials flow in closed loops where materials are reused, repaired or recycled.
By integrating our Circular Design Philosophy into the development of all our new products, we adhere to three fundamental principles throughout the design process: utilizing sustainable materials, extending product use, and ensuring responsible end-of-life product management. This philosophy drives our innovation, enabling us to close loops and progress towards a more responsible, sustainable future.
Jessica Karp highlights the sustainable elements of Haworth Cardigan Lounge.
Learn more about how we made Maari's seat shell more sustainable.
Showcases how discarded ocean plastics are transformed into high-quality fabrics.
Explore our commitment to transparency and eco-conscious practices as we share insights into our initiatives, demonstrating our dedication to building a greener, more sustainable world.
Sustainability Policy & Strategy Haworth is committed to sustainability and values people and the environment. The company has ambitious sustainability targets based on its core strengths and heritage.
Sustainable Wood Haworth prioritizes responsible and sustainable sourcing of wood, recognizing its value as a renewable resource and its ecological and sociological aspects.
Material Chemistry & Transparency Haworth provides safe and healthy products and is transparent about its material chemistry. The company aims to reduce potentially hazardous chemicals beyond regulatory restrictions.
Carbon Accountability Haworth recognizes the severity of climate change and its consequences if left unchecked. The company feels a sense of obligation and opportunity to make an impact.
International Circular Services Haworth is committed to supporting a circular business model, shifting from a linear to a cradle-to-cradle approach. The goal is to keep valuable resources in high-quality use cycles.
Sustainable Building Contributions Haworth recognizes the impact of the built environment on climate change and is committed to improving its sustainable building practices to benefit user well-being and protect the environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Haworth's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion continues to evolve as the company grows. The company values understanding, respect, and support for all its members.
Circular Design Furniture and finishes impact our environments and contribute over 50% of embodied carbon in buildings. Haworth's circular design philosophy focuses on sustainable materials, extending product use, and responsible end-of-life practices.