A circular roadmap in the making!

The circular economy is playing a major role in the sustainability challenge of using raw materials for longer at a high-quality level and (thus) reducing CO₂ emissions. Large residual flows are released when wood is processed in the interior design and furniture industry. These residual flows come about when various types of sheet material are manufactured in the sector. This sheet material includes chipboard, MDF and solid core. The type of sheet material used is important. Chipboard, for example, is very easy to recycle and this is already quite common. MDF, on the other hand, is not easy to recycle and is therefore having a major impact on the low-value application of residual flows in the sector.

We will draw up a report for the trade association in which we describe the various sheet materials and their properties. We will also describe the route the sheet material takes through the chain from producer to waste processor. Ultimately, based on the Circular R ladder, a number of routes will be mapped out that lead the sector to a more circular use of sheet material.

To achieve this, we conducted various interviews over the past few weeks and mapped out the challenges the sector is facing. The challenges we discussed relate to chain cooperation, better collection and recycling of sheet material and finally the sustainable reuse of furniture and interiors.

All these topics are included in the roadmap. To be continued!