Wood Science and Technology

Research Organisation Partners

• UNIVERSITY OF LJUBLJANA (UL) (Lead partner)
• ESI PROJECTS (ESI) Albanija
• STICHTING EUROPEAN CENTER FOR RESEARCHING, EDUCATION AND CONSULTING (ECREC) (Nizozemska)
• NOVI HORIZONT (NH) (Črna Gora)
• WOOD INDUSTRY CLUSTRER ALBANIA (WICA) (Albania)
• MERCEZA DOO (Merceza) (Bosna in Hercegovina)

Abstract

The European Union’s recently amended Waste Framework Directive (2018/851) identifies furniture as a key sector, while its revised Circular Economy Action Plan indicates that furniture will be prioritised (EC, 2020). Business models in the sector tend to favour relatively short product lifetimes to secure  replacement  sales, while  a  lack  of incentives  and  an inadequate  take-back  infrastructure  inhibit  reuse. Evidence points to the use of low-quality materials and poor design as primary obstacles to a circular economy in furniture. The impact of tourism in economic growth of the Western Balkan has triggered a surge in interest in home improvements and supply with cheap trend-led furnishings in order to sustain cheap rental prices and additional amortization costs (especially in AirBnB spaces). This has resulted in fast furniture manufacturing with high environmental costs due to disposal practices and waste management. According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), sustainability is a crucial factor for three-quarters of consumers when they are buying furniture. This makes “green” furniture attractive to manufacturers and furniture retailers not just from an ideological perspective, but also from a commercial one. For that reason, the project scope will be to promote sustainable furniture production as part of greening the processes and activities of SMEs in the circular economy through strengthening the inter-linkage between the VET sector and business sector. More specifically: (I) Build capacities of 18 VET providers on circular business models for sustainable furniture; (II) Engage 60 VET learners through WBL methods to eco-design furniture products using alternative/sustainable materials; and (III) Develop support mechanisms to nurture the green transition of SMEs and their staff. Deliverables expected are: (I) Research report to find enabler and barrier factors influencing the industry circular transition; (II) TF for circular business models competences; (III) Guide for WBL schemes to enhance VET learner ‘skills for the green transitions’; (IV) E-learning for digital education; and (V) Dissemination events to promote the project methodology.

Importance for the development of science

The SUSFUR project has significant importance for scientific development as it contributes to the implementation of the circular economy in the furniture industry and strengthens the links between vocational education and training (VET) and the business sector. Its scientific relevance is evident on multiple levels:

1. Research on the circular economy: The project will identify enabling and barrier factors affecting the transition to a circular economy in the furniture sector, helping to shape new strategies and policies.
2. Innovations in furniture design: By promoting eco-design and the use of alternative sustainable materials, the project will contribute to the development of new sustainable production models.
3. Training and digital education tools: The development of e-learning and work-based learning guides will enhance educational methods in vocational training and strengthen competencies in sustainable production.
4. Bridging science and business: By establishing support mechanisms for SMEs and their green transition, the project ensures the transfer of knowledge from research institutions to industrial practice.
5. A systematic approach to circular business models: The development of a competence framework for sustainable business models will facilitate companies' transition to environmentally friendly business practices.

SUSFUR is not only a project aimed at improving skills and practices in the furniture industry but also contributes to the advancement of scientific approaches that foster sustainable development in both the economy and education.

Importance for the development of Slovenia

The SUSFUR project plays a key role in the development of Slovenia, as it supports the transition to a circular economy in the furniture industry and contributes to the sustainable development of the economy, education, and the environment.

 Importance for the Economy The project helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to sustainable business models, where furniture is not discarded but repaired, recycled, and reused. This reduces production costs and increases the competitiveness of Slovenian companies in the European market.

Importance for Education The project strengthens vocational education and training (VET) by providing students with knowledge about sustainable design and the use of alternative materials. This enhances their employability and prepares them for careers in the sustainable industry.

Importance for the Environment By promoting eco-design and the reuse of materials, the project reduces the amount of discarded furniture, contributing to less pollution and more efficient resource use. This aligns with Slovenia's efforts towards sustainable development and waste reduction.

 Connecting Science and Industry The project connects research institutions, businesses, and vocational schools, enabling faster development of innovative solutions in the furniture industry. This strengthens Slovenia’s role in research and innovation in the field of the circular economy.

SUSFUR is not just a project for improving education and business practices but also makes a significant contribution to Slovenia’s economic, educational, and environmental development. It supports the country’s strategic goals for sustainable development and the circular economy.