Revista 003 - Embracing the circular economy
Pol Cunillera
As we step into an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, the European furniture industry is poised to lead the charge. The recent publication of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) in the Official Journal of the EU marks a pivotal moment for designers, manufacturers, and consumers alike. This regulation, warmly welcomed by the European Furniture Industries Confederation (EFIC), signifies a transformative journey towards making sustainable products the norm in our homes and workplaces.
The ESPR prioritizes furniture as a key area for the first action, a clear signal that the industry is ready to embrace and innovate. Furniture manufacturers are not just passive recipients of this change; they are actively engaging with policymakers to develop practical and impactful ecodesign rules. This collaborative approach ensures that the unique characteristics of the furniture sector, which is largely composed of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and micro firms, are adequately represented and addressed.
Gabriella Kemendi, EFIC Secretary General, emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogue:
“We look forward to a continuous collaboration with policymakers in developing ecodesign rules for furniture and to providing sector-specific expertise. Considering the size of the companies in our sector, the many different materials used and the broad range of designs and products, the delegated act will need to allow for a diversity of relevant requirements. Imported products should abide by the same rules and market surveillance should be strengthened.”
Edi Snaidero, EFIC President, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the potential for new opportunities:
“The circular economy can indeed bring new opportunities if the requirements are appropriate and feasible - preserving the creativity of the furniture industry - and if companies are given enough time to adapt.”
The development of harmonized rules at the EU level is crucial for achieving a circular economy. The standardization committee CEN TC 207 and its working group WG 10 are actively developing several standards that address key aspects of the ESPR, such as dis/reassembly, repairability, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. The recently published EN 17902 standard on dis/reassembly is a testament to these early efforts. These standards are more than just technical guidelines; they represent the industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. By focusing on these aspects, the furniture industry aims to enhance the longevity and lifecycle of products, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable consumption model.
While the ESPR is a significant step forward, it primarily focuses on products. To achieve a truly circular economy, a holistic approach is needed. This means combining various tools and strategies to ensure scalability and full-loop solutions. By doing so, the furniture industry can not only meet the regulatory requirements but also drive a genuine transition towards sustainability.
The ESPR prioritizes furniture as a key area for the first action, a clear signal that the industry is ready to embrace and innovate.
For us at SURU this is an exciting time. The push towards sustainable products aligns perfectly with our ethos of creating furniture that is not only beautiful and functional but also environmentally responsible. The ESPR provides a framework within which we can innovate and experiment, ensuring our designs meet the highest standards of sustainability without compromising on creativity.
In conclusion, the European furniture industry is on the cusp of a sustainable revolution. With the ESPR setting the stage, manufacturers, designers, and policymakers must work together to develop and implement ecodesign rules that are both practical and ambitious. By embracing this change, we can ensure that the furniture of tomorrow is not only aesthetically pleasing but also kind to our planet. As we continue to innovate and adapt, the vision of a circular economy becomes not just a goal, but a reality.