The Mirra 2 Chair and Stool have been refreshed with a focus on sustainability, material innovation, and enhanced ergonomic performance, demonstrating Herman Miller’s ongoing commitment to responsible design.
Herman Miller, in collaboration with Berlin-based design studio Studio 7.5, has taken a significant step in reducing the carbon footprint of its performance seating portfolio. Since its inception, the Mirra Chair has been a benchmark for sustainable performance seating. Originally developed with guidance from global environmental experts at MBDC, creators of the Cradle to Cradle Certified Program, the design has continually evolved to align with Herman Miller’s "Design for the Environment" protocols. The 2013 update to Mirra 2 significantly reduced material usage, making it 30% lighter than its predecessor. Now, the latest refinements further reduce the chair’s carbon footprint by up to 17% through increased use of recycled content—most notably, a nylon base and spine crafted from 100% recycled materials.
The environmental impact of these updates is profound. According to estimates, the expected carbon footprint reduction across the updated Mirra 2 portfolio is equivalent to preventing greenhouse gas emissions from 4.7 million miles of driving in an average gasoline-powered vehicle or the energy required to charge 121 million smartphones throughout an entire day.
Performance Meets Sustainability.
While sustainability is at the forefront of the Mirra 2 refresh, the enhancements also maintain the chair’s reputation for ergonomic excellence. Mirra 2’s signature performance features continue to offer users superior comfort and support:
- AireWeave Suspension Seat & FlexFront: Responds to movement while remaining temperature neutral to prevent heat build-up.
- Loop Spine: Allows for natural torsional flex, supporting ease of movement while seated.
- PostureFit Support: Provides sacral support to maintain spinal alignment and prevent slouching.
- Harmonic 2 Tilt: Ensures a balanced reclining experience, allowing for effortless movement and control.
Herman Miller Mirra 2 Task Chair remains highly adaptable to various applications, offering two distinct back styles. The Butterfly Back integrates a dynamic fabric-covered polymer framework for responsive support, while the TriFlex Back—constructed entirely from polymer—complies with rigorous commercial durability standards.
Aesthetic Evolution
The refreshed Mirra 2 introduces a new, versatile colour palette featuring cordovan, ultramarine, olive, ochre, and alpine hues. Customers can further personalise their chair through bold colour blocking, mixing and matching select components, or opting for a neutral base with accent colours. Monochromatic styles with alpine or graphite bases provide a refined alternative for those seeking a minimalist aesthetic.
A Commitment to Longevity
Studio 7.5’s approach to continuous improvement is a testament to the lasting relevance of good design. "For us, improving a design concept continuously is one of the best strategies for creating longevity," say designers Carola Zwick, Burkhard Schmitz, and Roland Zwick. "Taking the effort to improve an existing product rather than creating a new one reassures Mirra users that they have a great chair. Slowing down and resisting the ‘new’ for the sake of newness is an important aspect of sustainability that we as designers can tackle."
Herman Miller’s Vice President of Sustainability, Gabe Wing, reinforces this perspective, stating, "Sustainable design has guided Herman Miller for decades. With Studio 7.5, we’ve shown that increasing recycled content and reducing carbon impact can go hand in hand with ergonomic performance. The updated Mirra 2 sets a new standard for sustainable seating in shared spaces and beyond."
