Case: from wood to reuse in the Dutch furniture industry

With the goal of 50% fewer primary raw materials by 2030 and a fully circular economy by 2050, the Dutch furniture industry faces major challenges. After all, millions of tons of new material still enter stores every year, the vast majority of which eventually ends up in the incinerator. How can circular design make the Dutch furniture industry future-proof?

The Future Factory Furniture (FFF), supported by the Interior Design and Furniture Industry Association (CBM), took important steps to shape this change during the CIRCO Track "Circular Furniture Industry.

The challenge

The Dutch furniture industry processes millions of tons of raw materials every year, with wood, foam and furniture textiles being the main materials. About 90 million kilograms of new material arrive in stores each year. The efficiency of material use varies, and some parts of the furniture industry still produce a relatively large amount of waste annually, some 1 billion kilograms by CBM's own estimate. This waste consists of 68% wood, 14% foam, 10% furniture textiles and the rest other materials, according to Ecomaison. Unfortunately, only 10% of this is recycled, while the rest (90%) ends up in the incinerator.

Driving change together

From the question "How do we shape the future of the furniture industry?" came the Future Factory Furniture: a collaboration of leading Dutch furniture manufacturers with a rich history, who want to move forward together. Their goal? To move with the times and contribute to a sustainable future.

Currently, 60% to 70% of furniture is imported from China, where sustainability is often less of a priority. This makes the rise of 'fast furniture' a challenge that hits the Dutch sector hard. By working together more intensively, these manufacturers can take steps on complex themes such as circularity and thus strengthen the competitiveness and future-proofing of the sector.

"These A-brands feel a historical and social responsibility. With design classics that are known worldwide, they want to honor their heritage and remain future-proof," explains Dirk van Deursen, Innovation & Sustainability consultant at CBM. He played an important role in bringing the manufacturers together within FFF.

In 2023, FFF sought support from CBM, and thus the CIRCO Track "Circular Furniture Industry" was born. As a trade association for interior designers and furniture makers, CBM has been working with CIRCO for years to promote circular business in the industry. In addition, CBM is a partner of Circonnect.

CIRCO Track Circular Furniture Industry.

In 2023 Future Factory Furniture went to work under the guidance of CIRCO trainer Marien Korthorst, a former Design Academy Eindhoven student. The approach differed from a standard CIRCO Track. Instead of individual roadmaps, the focus was on joint solutions for the entire sector. This resulted in four concrete roadmaps focusing on complex circular issues:

1. A nationwide refurbish network: Dutch Originals.
2. Product and material passports for furniture.
3. A standard for returnable packaging within the B2B market.
4. Circular foam, e.g. recycled foam or alternatives.

"The group worked together intensively, which in an industry where competition and intellectual property are often central, is pretty special. But if you really want to make an impact, you have to create scale. And you can only do that by working together," Marien said.

By taking circular steps now, the industry is giving direction to the Extended Producer Responsibility (UPV), a furniture policy measure that takes effect in 2030. The UPV aims to reduce waste going to the incinerator and divert residual streams to reusable or valuable alternative routes. Read more about the opportunities presented by the implementation of the UPV.

Taking follow-up steps (with the Environmental Impact Tool)

Circonnect's Environmental Impact Tool was a logical next step after completing the CIRCO Track. By entering products into the tool, FFF members gained insight into their environmental impact. Last but not least, they gained clarity on the impact of different design choices and which adjustments could improve the Environmental Cost Indicator (EQI). The Environmental Impact Tool has been extensively tested and now includes additional materials frequently used in the furniture industry, specific to this sector.

"The Environmental Impact Tool makes it clear where sustainable improvements are possible, increases knowledge and awareness, and helps companies take internal steps. It visualizes the potential for improvement and shows where the opportunities lie. This tool can also provide valuable input for the product and material passport, one of the routes participants developed during the Track," says Marien.

The combination of innovation, collaboration and the use of design tools from Circonnect lays a solid foundation for manufacturers in the Future Factory Furniture. The journey to circularity is not over yet, but the direction is clear. Together, these pioneers are building a furniture industry where circularity and design go hand in hand.

Collaboration with the Dutch Design Foundation

An inspiring example of collaboration in the transition to circularity is the project launched this year by Future Factory Furniture, CBM and the Dutch Design Foundation. During Dutch Design Week, a platform to reach out to the creative sector and suppliers, such as textile manufacturers, they gave a presentation. The presentation included inspiring portraits, including "Food for thought. Watch the documentary here.

"The furniture industry is in a transition phase," says Dirk. "It is crucial to work together within the chain as well as with creative partners to really change the system." This was all shared in inspiring portraits that highlighted the changes and opportunities in the industry.

Getting started yourself?

Are you inspired by this case and want to get started with circularity yourself, as an individual company or together with your chain? Then check out CIRCO's workshop offerings. Are you already a step further and ready to make your circular idea a reality? Find out how Circonnect' s design tools can help you do so.