Transitioning to Circularity in the Wood-Furniture Sector: A Case Study on Sustainable Material Selection for Disassemblable Components

Abstract: In the Wood-Furniture sector, a profound transition towards the circularity of production processes has been underway for some time. All actors within the production supply chains are committed to optimizing their contribution toward environmentally sustainable manufacturing.This shift has been facilitated by the increasing awareness of environmental issues, as well as by the practical application of Life Cycle Design (LCD) strategies. These strategies focus on minimizing resource consumption (by reducing material and energy use), selecting low-impact resources and processes (ensuring eco-compatibility, often through certified solutions), optimizing product lifespan (through intensive and prolonged use), extending material longevity (via recycling, composting, and energy recovery), and enabling disassembly by ensuring the separability of parts and materials.However, the complexity and multimaterial nature of joint systems in furniture components often hinder recycling, unless disassembly operations are adopted—although such operations are not always feasible. A viable approach could involve selecting materials with bio-based and recyclable properties, alongside modifying the morpho-functional relationships between components to facilitate disassembly and, consequently, recycling. This approach would enhance the lifespan of products, components, and materials, aligning with principles of repairability and material circularity at the end of their life cycle.This paper presents a research study conducted at the Ingeo Department of the G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, within the framework of the “Green Joining and Assembly System for Furniture” project, led by the company Kico Srl. The study aimed to identify the most environmentally and economically sustainable material solutions for designing a furniture component: a fully disassemblable self-adjusting foot.The research employed both qualitative and quantitative assessment tools to compare different material combinations for the component. The first evaluation applied the eight Life Cycle Design (LCD) strategies, using the ASDO software tool for data comparison. Subsequently, the Circular TOOL was used to measure, verify, and compare material circularity across different design iterations. The experimental data validated the initial material selection hypotheses, allowing the refinement of the most promising solution in terms of environmental performance, functional efficiency, and ease of assembly and disassembly.

Keywords: Circular economy, Assembly system, Furniture component, Sustainable materials

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005947

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