Strengthening knowledge of the transition to a circular economy in the furniture sector

Abstract This paper focuses on thematic areas of the circular economy, reflecting the goals of the European Green Deal and addresses gains made by European furniture companies. The goal is to explore guidelines and assessment criteria for how the design and manufacturing of furniture can contribute to a climate neutral Europe by 2050 with a sustainable economy that leaves no one behind. How are European furniture companies adapting to a circular economy model? A circular economy aims to preserve the value of products, components, and materials within a larger economic system. It is orient-ed to achieve more efficient production and consumption systems, thanks to continuous and regenerative cycles. It also focuses on re-duction of raw materials and energy consumption, waste, and emissions generation in the production processes. The adoption of the circular economy requires a change of business, territorial, and individual visions, and to rethink ways of producing and consuming. The authors study evidence of the circular economy values, such as reuse, recycle, remanufacturing in the European furniture sector. By developing the knowledge base for greener and smarter manufacturing processes, it is possible to plan for a sustainable and more democratic European design culture.