TRANSITION IN SOFT-SEATING

The soft seating industry is facing a significant challenge with the current polyurethane foam used in furniture, as it doesn't align with the principles of the circular economy. This foam is derived from fossil fuels, which are finite resources, and its production involves chemically intensive processes, contributing to pollution. Additionally, it's bulky during transport, leading to high greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, its short lifespan and lack of recyclability pose further problems for sustainability.

Their main question is: "How can we achieve industrial-grade soft seating comfort without using harmful materials, while also contributing positively to the circular economy?"

In previous years, production for Europe primarily took place in the Far East. However, more and more Dutch companies are now opting to produce closer to home, particularly in Turkey, for sustainability reasons (reduced transportation). This shift reflects a broader transition from a linear to a circular economy, driven by the realization that we need to change how we use materials to protect the environment, promote biodiversity, and combat pollution.

Although there have been small movements toward circular practices in recent years, significant changes are slow to materialize, especially in industries like furniture manufacturing. While there's a growing demand in the European market for responsible production, many producers – even in focus countries like Turkey – are struggling to meet these demands. Suppliers offering circular materials with responsible production methods are still scarce.

Meanwhile, new regulations are on the horizon, making it difficult to incorporate polluting materials into products and produce them in environmentally harmful ways. By 2028, reporting on this will also be required with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Therefore, it's crucial to start the transition now, as it will take time.

Starting today is essential to ensure we're prepared for tomorrow.