Supplier code of conduct
Introduction
MillerKnoll, Inc., and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, “MillerKnoll”) are committed to conducting its business in an ethical, legal, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible manner. We are guided by our shared purpose: design for the good of humankind. This purpose reflects our desire to leverage the power of design to improve lives, whether that’s the lives of our customers, our associates, or the people in the communities where we live and work.
MillerKnoll expects its suppliers to share its commitment to creating a Better World, supporting its goals of reducing waste, using resources responsibly, supporting workers’ rights, and advancing the welfare of its workers and the community. We believe that partnerships based on transparency, collaboration, and mutual respect are integral to making this happen. As such, MillerKnoll has established this Supplier Code of Conduct to identify the minimum requirements for establishing and maintaining a business relationship with MillerKnoll. Upon MillerKnoll’s request, suppliers will provide written documentation of actions undertaken to evidence the fulfillment of the requirements identified in this Supplier Code of Conduct.
Applicability & Scope
This Supplier Code of Conduct applies to suppliers for all MillerKnoll brands, including but not limited to those shown here.
MillerKnoll complies with all applicable laws, codes, or regulations of the countries, states, and localities in which it operates, and we expect our suppliers to do the same. These include but are not limited to: UK Modern Slavery Act, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act, Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and the UK Bribery Act.
MillerKnoll suppliers must also comply with MillerKnoll's published policies and procedures which can be found on our website: Legal Policies | MillerKnoll. These include but are not limited to: MillerKnoll Environmental, Health and Safety Policy, MillerKnoll Global Forest Protection Policy, Chemical Management Policy, and Policy Regarding Conflict Minerals.
This Supplier Code of Conduct is a general statement of MillerKnoll's expectations with respect to suppliers. It does not replace or supersede any existing supplier agreements or obligations and should be read in addition to, and together with, any supplier obligations as set forth in any of the following:
Requests for proposal or other solicitation documents.
Agreements by and between MillerKnoll and the supplier.
In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between this Supplier Code of Conduct and any MillerKnoll solicitation document or applicable agreement, the terms of the MillerKnoll solicitation or agreement shall control.
No exclusions or exceptions are applicable to this Supplier Code of Conduct.
Raising Questions and Reporting Concerns
Please direct any questions or concerns regarding this Supplier Code of Conduct to your MillerKnoll Supply Management Department. Access a secure site to confidentially raise your concerns by visiting our Ethics and Compliance Hotline at millerknoll.ethicspoint.com. MillerKnoll’s Ethics and Compliance Hotline is a confidential external resource managed by an independent company, NAVEX Global. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and in local languages.
Human Rights and Fair Labor
We are committed to upholding fundamental human rights and believe that all human beings must be treated with dignity, fairness, and respect in compliance with the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. MillerKnoll does not use or condone the use of forced, involuntary, or child labor or engage in human trafficking nor will we tolerate any other individual or organization who does so. We follow all applicable labor and employment standards, laws, rules, regulations, and policies in the jurisdictions where we operate, including wage and hour laws and regulations. Suppliers are expected to conform to requirements in each of the following areas:
Freely Chosen Employment
Suppliers shall not use any forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, involuntary labor, or otherwise.
No Child Labor
Suppliers shall not employ child labor and shall comply with the minimum of local minimum working age laws and requirements or the International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.
Minimum Wages
Suppliers shall provide wages for regular and overtime work and benefits that meet or exceed legal requirements.
Working Hours
Suppliers shall not require workers to work more than the maximum hours of daily labor set by local laws.
No Harsh, Inhumane Treatment or Abuse
Suppliers shall treat each employee with dignity and respect. In no event shall Supplier's workers be subject to threats of violence, physical punishment, confinement, or other form of physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal harassment or abuse.
No Discrimination
Suppliers shall not discriminate in hiring and employment practices on grounds of race, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Freedom of Association
Suppliers shall recognize and respect the rights of their workers to organize in labor unions in accordance with local labor laws and established practices.
Health and Safety Practices
Suppliers shall provide their employees with a safe and healthy working environment in order to prevent accidents and injuries to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the operation of the supplier. Suppliers shall, among other things, provide:
Occupational health and safety training.
A system for injury and illness reporting.
Medical treatment and/or compensation to injured/ill workers arising as a result of working for supplier.
Machine safeguarding and other protective measures including PPE (personal protective equipment) to prevent injuries/illnesses to workers.
Clean and safe facilities, including emergency exits which comply with local laws and regulations.
Emergency evacuation procedures and drills, adequate firefighting equipment which is free from obstruction, and first aid kits and eyewash stations as appropriate for the facility.
Environmental Practices
Suppliers shall comply with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to their operations worldwide. Such compliance shall include, among other things, the following items:
Obtaining and maintaining environmental permits and timely filing of required reports.
Proper handling and disposition of hazardous materials.
Monitoring, controlling, and treating discharges generated from operations.
Responsible Forest Practices
MillerKnoll is committed to responsibly sourcing forest materials to help ensure the longevity of our natural resources which are integral to our purpose and our business continuity. MillerKnoll is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations impacting forest products and practices related to its business. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance with legal requirements including but not limited to:
U.S. Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371 -3378).
U.S. Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 (“TSCA”).
Canada Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood Products Regulations: SOR/2024-256.
EU Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 of 14 July 2023, amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
EU Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (“EU Deforestation Regulation”, “EUDR”) – Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023.
EU Timber Regulation (“EUTR”) – Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010.
UK Timber and Timber Products Placing on the Market Regulations 2013 as amended as of 1 January 2021 (“UK Timber Regulations”, “UKTR”).
Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Act.
Both Knoll and Herman Miller have a long history of Forest Stewardship Council™ (FSC™) certification dating back to 1995. MillerKnoll continues this relationship today by working to standardize FSC certification throughout its supply chain. Brands across the MillerKnoll collective offer many standard products as FSC certified (FSC-C028824) without upcharges or extended lead times. Therefore, MillerKnoll expects its suppliers to have FSC Chain of Custody certification and be able to provide FSC certified materials and products, whenever possible.
Suppliers shall not be directly or indirectly involved in the following restricted activities:
Illegal logging or trade in illegal wood or forest products.
Violation of traditional and human rights in forestry operations.
Destruction of high conservation values in forestry operations.
Significant conversion of forests to plantations or non-forest use.
Introduction of genetically modified organisms in forestry operations.
Violation of any of the ILO Core Conventions as defined in the ILO Declaration on
Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Animal Welfare
MillerKnoll is committed to the ethical treatment of animals across our global supply chain. We strive to source animal-derived materials from farms that follow verified animal welfare practices and uphold the internationally recognized Five Animal Freedoms:
Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury, or disease
Freedom to express natural behavior
Freedom from fear and distress
We encourage and partner with suppliers to use animal-based materials certified under recognized animal welfare standards or equivalent third-party frameworks that ensure ethical treatment, traceability, and supply chain compliance.
MillerKnoll promotes continuous improvement, transparency, and responsible farming practices that support animal welfare and deforestation-free ecosystems, and we expect our suppliers to do the same.
Conflict Minerals
MillerKnoll is committed to not sourcing conflict minerals from prohibited areas. Suppliers will comply with MillerKnoll’s policy regarding conflict minerals, available at: millerknoll.com/legal/policy-regarding-conflict-minerals. Additionally, upon request from MillerKnoll, supplier shall provide attestation of whether conflict minerals are present in applicable materials and other goods, and if so, identify the specific minerals, extraction location and other necessary information to meet Conflict Minerals Reporting Requirements.
Governance and Transparency
MillerKnoll expects its suppliers to conduct their businesses in accordance with the highest standards of ethical behavior and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Suppliers are expected to conform to these requirements in each of the following areas:
Fair Trade Practices
Suppliers shall not engage in collusive bidding, price fixing, price discrimination, or other unfair trade practices in violation of antitrust laws.
Bribery, Kickbacks, and Fraud
No funds or assets of the supplier shall be paid, loaned, or otherwise disbursed as bribes, kickbacks, or other payments designed to influence or compromise the conduct of MillerKnoll.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
While laws and customs vary throughout the world, all suppliers must comply with foreign legal requirements, United States, and local laws that apply to foreign operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act generally makes it unlawful to give anything of value to foreign government officials, foreign political parties, party officials, or candidates for public office for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business.
Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption
As part of our commitment to strong corporate governance and to maintaining the highest standards for ethical behavior, we follow all anti-corruption laws everywhere we operate, and we never act corruptly. MillerKnoll does not permit the giving or receiving of bribes, kickbacks, or any other type of improper preferential benefit in connection with our business. A bribe can include giving or receiving any item of value (e.g., cash, gift cards, gratuities, gifts, kickbacks, unauthorized rebates, meals, entertainment, trips, favors, loans, contributions, or donations) to or from an individual or entity in order to obtain an improper business advantage or otherwise improperly promote our business interests. We also don’t allow any other individuals or entities to offer bribes, kickbacks, or improper benefits on our behalf. We always operate with integrity, regardless of local customs or industry practices, and we expect our suppliers to do the same.
Gifts, Donations, and Entertainment
Giving and accepting gifts and entertainment can help strengthen our business relationships with our customers, suppliers, and other business partners. However, no gift, favor, or entertainment should be accepted or given if it obligates, or appears to obligate, the recipient or if it might be perceived as an attempt to influence fair judgment. Gifts and entertainment should always be modest, in good taste, and appropriate to the situation. We never offer, give, or accept cash or cash equivalents as part of any business relationship, and any gifts or entertainment given or received must follow all applicable laws and regulations.
Intellectual Property Rights
Suppliers shall respect the intellectual property rights of others, especially MillerKnoll and its business partners. Suppliers shall take appropriate steps to safeguard and maintain confidential and proprietary information of MillerKnoll and shall use such information only for the purposes specified for use by MillerKnoll. Suppliers shall observe and respect all MillerKnoll patents, trademarks, and copyrights, and comply with all requirements as to their use as established by MillerKnoll. Suppliers shall not transmit confidential or proprietary information of MillerKnoll via the internet unless such information is encrypted in accordance with minimum standards established by MillerKnoll.
Data Protection and Security
Suppliers shall maintain appropriate cybersecurity controls, data protection safeguards, and risk management practices to protect both their systems, data and operations as well as the security and resilience of the broader MillerKnoll supply chain.
Trade Compliance
As a global manufacturer, we transport products, supplies, and raw materials to and from countries all over the world every day. In doing so, we follow all laws, rules, and regulations that govern these activities in all countries where we do business. Suppliers are expected to do the same.
Suppliers must abide by all economic sanctions or trade embargoes adopted by the United States, the EU and/or the UK. We expect our suppliers to comply with applicable export and import obligations, anti-boycott regulations, economic sanctions and other applicable trade laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, wherever they operate.
Suppliers should not directly or indirectly engage in or support any terrorist activity. Neither suppliers nor any of their affiliates, officers or directors, should be included on any lists of terrorists or terrorist organizations compiled by the United States government or any other national or international body.
Solicitations by Suppliers
All suppliers shall comply with all guidelines issued by MillerKnoll relating to access to MillerKnoll facilities, offices, and employees. No supplier shall use MillerKnoll's computer system, including its electronic mail system and internet site, for the purpose of sending unsolicited electronic mail messages to the MillerKnoll community. Suppliers must receive prior written authorization from your MillerKnoll Supply Management Department to hold trade shows, demonstrate products, utilize MillerKnoll resources (i.e., bulletin boards), or make unsolicited calls on MillerKnoll departments.
Monitoring and Compliance
Suppliers are responsible for ensuring their compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct and applicable legal requirements, and for ensuring their suppliers also comply. If a supplier identifies areas of non-compliance, the supplier agrees to notify its MillerKnoll Supply Management Department as to its plans to remedy any such non-compliance.
MillerKnoll or its representatives may engage in monitoring activities to confirm supplier's compliance with this Supplier Code of Conduct, including on-site inspections of facilities, use of questionnaires or report cards, review of publicly available information, or other measures necessary to assess supplier's performance. Supplier consents to these on-site inspections and will facilitate them at MillerKnoll’s request.
The Supplier Code of Conduct prohibits the use of forced and child labor. Each direct supplier is evaluated at the time of selection for its compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct and certifies annually to its compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct and our policy on forced and child labor. As part of their standard periodic reviews, MillerKnoll Supply Management Departments inquire about supplier compliance with MillerKnoll’s forced and child labor policy and suppliers are subject to audit to verify such compliance. MillerKnoll conducts a limited number of supplier compliance audits each year using both internal personnel and third-party independent auditors. Failure to comply with this Supplier Code of Conduct may result in the limitation, suspension, or termination of the supplier’s business relationship with MillerKnoll.