Creating TOMORROWS FURNITURE TODAY
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in demand for more sustainable furniture. This has now become one of the top 5 most important decision points for buyers, and this importance will undoubtedly continue to rise.
Creating tomorrow's furniture today
In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in demand for more sustainable furniture. This has now become one of the top 5 most important decision points for buyers, and this importance will undoubtedly continue to rise: More and more repair options are being offered, the request for recycling is growing in the market, the contract market increasingly demands low-emission products, and the public market specifically describes the distribution of used and new products in their tenders.
A new generation is knocking
The furniture market is facing – and is already undergoing – a generational shift among consumers. To keep the market going, there is a need to adapt to the new customer.
Where we previously experienced customers who wanted value for money and showed great loyalty to well-known brands, as well as a great willingness to invest in products that could enhance a sense of status and prestige, today we are facing a consumer group that also expects sustainability and transparency. Especially Generation Z is even more focused on sustainability than their predecessors and expects companies to take responsibility for their environmental impact. They seek products made from sustainable materials and with a long lifespan. Additionally, they value transparency and want easy access to information about the origin and manufacturing methods of the products.
Future Furniture
When designing new furniture, it should be done with respect for the earth's resources. The focus on minimizing waste and integrating recyclable materials should start already in the design phase.
As much as possible, one should consider reusing materials such as wood, metals, and plastics, but there are several other types of waste that could be advantageously used, including textiles and leather. If it is not possible to reuse, one should instead ensure optimal utilization of the raw material. One obvious solution could be to minimize the rejection of wood components and thus accept a greater variation in the wood's visual appearance. Let wood be the natural material that it is.
The product's lifespan is another important factor. Sustainable furniture is designed to be long-lasting, which means they do not need to be replaced as often. This reduces resource consumption and waste. Additionally, more and more sustainable furniture is being designed to be repairable and reusable, which further extends their lifespan
Information must be easily accessible to consumers. They want to be able to find detailed information about the sustainability of products, including materials and their origin, production methods, and the associated environmental impact. This requires transparency from manufacturers and a willingness to share this information openly.
The demand for sustainable furniture is not just a trend, but a necessity. With a new generation of buyers who value sustainability and transparency highly, it is crucial that the furniture industry adapts and also offers products that meet these requirements.
Let's work together for a world where sustainability is the norm and not the exception
