Innovation

MiiR is a “design-forward and generosity-driven” drinkware company that is implementing responsible business practices centered around people and the planet. The Seattle-based company is empowering people for a better future by “committing to give more and take less.” As a consumer goods company, MiiR recognizes its inherent impact on the planet and is committed to understanding and improving its impact. MiiR and its employees (known as the MiiRkats) have worked towards changing the way business operates by prioritizing sustainability.

MiiR is helping to create a better world by certifying in partnerships with B-Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, 1% for the Planet, and OIA Climate Action Corp. MiiR holds itself accountable by committing to these partnerships. MiiR being a certified B-Corp places a higher standard on the business to balance purpose and profit. MiiR committed to becoming Net Zero by 2023 with the goal of no net impact on the climate from greenhouse gas emissions. As a Certified Climate Neutral brand MiiR annually commits to measuring and offsetting its carbon footprint while reducing emissions in its supply chain. In 2021, MiiR offset 14,036 tCO2e of carbon and invested $131,000 in carbon credits. In partnership with 1% for the Planet MiiR gives more than 1% of top revenue to community-led environmental organizations. By implementing these partnerships MiiR has placed sustainability as the foundation of their business and allows them to innovate based on sustainable principles.

MiiR has implemented concepts like the UN SDGs such as climate action (#13), responsible consumption and production (#12), global partnership (#17), and industry innovation and infrastructure (#9). MiiRs business model places concepts like the UN SDGs at the heart of its existence to change how we view the business industry. MiiR is a living example of what it means for a company to be profitable and accountable.

Inspiration

After a ski accident, the founder, Bryan Pape had thought to himself; “if I were to die now, what would I leave behind?” I need to do more with my life. I need to do something impactful that will make a difference in the world. I want to leave a legacy for the next generation.”. So he took off, and with a goal of combining business and philanthropy, MiiR was created. He found there was a gap in the drinkware market, a corner untouched. He wanted to create lasting reusable drinkware that didn’t have that utilitarian look, something more lively while also getting clean drinking water to parts of the world where that was inaccessible. When asked what makes MiiR different than other drinkware companies, MiiR’s Giving and Sustainability Manager, Devon Richardson, shared that MiiR stands out because “aside from our robust giving programs, our products are simple, timeless, durable, and don't come with all the extra gadgets & frills. They can last a lifetime without being over-engineered". And truly there’s no need for extra gadgets when you have a water bottle that will last a lifetime and remains intact, while simultaneously helping the world socially and environmentally..

Overall impact

When given a chance to interview MiiR’s Giving and Sustainability Manager, Devon Richardson, we asked her what MiiR’s “legacy” is, and what example they want to set as a company. “We want to show people that it is both possible and profitable to merge business and philanthropy.” As far as how their commitment to the planet goes “We feel super lucky to be surrounded by an incredibly forward-thinking industry. We don’t claim to be the most advanced in our environmental responsibility initiatives, but we always seek to be honest about where we’re at, where our largest impacts are, and where we need to improve”. What makes MiiR stand out is that it really tries to be as transparent about its impact on the environment as possible, while also trying their best to stay proactive in innovating their products to reduce waste. In terms of the impact of their business model of combining business and generosity, MiiR has truly done an outstanding job while changing the standards we set for businesses. “In 2021, we expanded our definition of Impact to include 3 distinct, but intrinsically linked branches: Our People (MiiRkats), environmental responsibility, and generosity. ”, Devon shared. Since 2019, MiiR has released a yearly impact report to share “where we’re meeting our goals,, and where we’re falling short”, so consumers can build trust with the business and customer loyalty.

“Generosity is something we’ve been doing for a really long time. Reducing as many barriers as possible”. The generosity MiiR has done for not only the planet, but their own “MiiRkats” (a term coined for their employees), and communities in need has shown through. And as the company has grown, the amount of time and profit they have been able to put towards issuing grants and finding ways to be more responsible about resource use has grown as well. In regards to the people of MiiR and employee culture, “everyone is super innovative and resourceful, we have a really lovely team that has evolved into a very people-first culture”. There’s something so special about companies like MiiR, and its recognition to its employees of different paths of life. MiiR works hard to make challenges in life much easier for their employees to navigate. “We offer generous maternity leave, unlimited paid time off, seek to foster creativity, and are always trying to maintain a safe and diverse company culture”.

Business benefit

“Our goal is to find dynamic people who are excited to work collaboratively, connect meaningfully with clients and one another, create enthusiasm for the MiiR brand, and be a proactive part of building this unique social enterprise”, is a statement listed on the company website, and after speaking with Devon it is one that rings true. MiiR’s products are manufactured in China, and they hold a true partnership with their manufacturers by having a team directly in China rather than a transactional relationship. Thus, resulting in more efficient outcomes in Miir's supply chain in China. “Our suppliers have mastered the vacuum insulation process, and are able to manufacture our products with incredibly little waste“ Miir also noted “In the west, we have the luxury of making business decisions in the name of being environmentally friendly. In China, making the more environmentally responsible decision is more often than not a necessity. Over the last few years, we’ve seen our suppliers switch to more forms of renewable energy - as rolling blackouts continue to disrupt their way of life, and energy costs soar”, Devon stated. In terms of being more sustainable, it sometimes takes a little longer, but the return on investment is high. Even in their early years, when MiiR wasn’t always profitable, both donating and innovating have been MiiR’s main priorities. “Our goal is to inspire other businesses and brands to maintain their commitment to positive impact, and show them that you can be generous while still being profitable”.

In terms of innovation, MiiR dives head first into its challenges with their carbon footprint and finding solutions to reduce emissions. MiiR found ~80% of their carbon footprint comes from their materials, and conducted research showcasing how switching to recycled stainless steel and materials it would greatly reduce their footprint. “Our main goal is to find ways to integrate post-consumer recycled materials into our product without totally disrupting the supply chain” Devon explained. This is one of many examples of MiiRs attribution to innovation. As MiiR is constantly working to decarbonize the environment even at odds of possible challenges.

Social and environmental benefit

MiiR has implemented multiple ways to help ensure their business practices better the environment and community. MiiR broadens its definition of impact to include people, the planet, and generosity. By doing so MiiR can invest directly into these ideas and help establish long-term impact.

MiiR has sought to minimize its impact on materials, manufacturing, and distribution. By formulating products for durability and recycling, MiiR maximizes the product’s lifespan and creates less waste. MiiR’s efforts to Re:Claim its products by taking back misprinted, damaged, or used products for alternative manufacturing or raw material feedstock help to avoid wasted materials. MiiR has reshaped its packaging by implementing more recyclable materials (90% post-consumer recycled paper), avoiding single-use plastics and virgin forest fiber, and cutting excess packaging waste. MiiR works in partnership with suppliers who prioritize environmentally responsible practices to help reduce its carbon footprint. For example, 75% of MiiR's factories use solar power for lighting and production. As far as MiiR’s product distribution, the company is cutting back on, the highest-emitting mode of transport, freight. In 2021, MiiR successfully reduced air freight CO2 emissions by 74%.

By interweaving business and philanthropy, MiiR has placed generosity at its core. Annually, a percentage of top-line revenue is invested in community-driven nonprofit organizations. Yearly, revenue is set aside from every sale and placed into MiiR's grant program. The grant program invests in non-profit organizations with unrestricted trust-based grants. MiiR has supported 95 different organizations through gifts, grants, event scholarships, and product donations. MiiR ensures the participation of their MiiRkats through yearly employee giving. Where MiiR gives each employee $1,000 to donate to an organization of their choice. Miir has donated $180,000 through its Employee Grantmaking Program. As of 2022, Miir has given over $3.82 million to its non-profit network. In more ways than one, MiiR has attested to its claim of generosity by placing people at the center of its work.

Interview

Devon Richardson, Giving and Sustainability Manager