The circular economy is a key component of a sustainable future—including in the furniture industry. The German Interior Business Association (IBA) and its members are actively committed to developing and implementing circular economy concepts for non-domestic office and contract furniture designed to conserve resources, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of products.

 

Partnership and joint efforts as the key to success

A functioning circular economy requires close cooperation between all stakeholders, in particular manufacturers, suppliers and customers. At the same time, the socio-political framework conditions must be established in the market to support circular business models. Through joint efforts, innovative solutions can be developed and implemented that take into account the entire life cycle of furniture – from the selection of materials through to production, and on to the reuse and recycling of products and materials.

 

Key aspects for a circular furniture industry

• Material selection: Efficient use of recycled, eco-friendly, low-toxicity, and socially responsible raw materials, components, and products.
• Product design: Enabling sustainable material cycles through innovative and holistic product design.
• Durability and modularity: Development of high-quality, modular furniture that is easy to repair for a long service life.
• Take-back and reuse: Establishment of programs for the take-back, refurbish, and reuse of furniture or furniture components.
• Energy and Transport Efficiency: Sustainable production processes with low energy consumption and efficient transport logistics.

The industry is well-positioned for this, as numerous aspects have long been implemented in many products. Durability, modularity, repairability, capability for disassembly, and recyclability are regularly included.

Currently, European standardization bodies and EU projects are developing further frameworks and new business models necessary for the economically viable distribution of, for example, reused, refurbished and remanufactured furniture for offices and public spaces.

Below, the definitions of the ‘R‑strategies’ – which represent the key approaches to the circular economy – are explained from the perspective of IBA members, with examples.

The Common Goal

By implementing and further developing the circular economy in the office and contract furniture industry, IBA members are fostering a positive vision for the future and promoting socially responsible business practices in harmony with ecological and economic constraints.

The IBA is committed to ensuring that sustainable and circular principles become the norm and that companies actively contribute to their application and implementation.

 

Definitions

The following definitions set out the IBA’s understanding of the “R strategies”. These strategies are circular economy approaches designed to avoid or minimise the environmental impacts of products. The principle of prioritisation applies: lower R strategies should be favoured over higher ones. Accordingly, R0 (“Refuse”) should be preferred to R9 (“Recover”) wherever possible. When designing products and business models, it is also advisable to proceed step by step from R0 to R9. Overall, the circular economy aims to minimise R9 and prevent waste through upstream strategies (R0–R8).

 

R0 – Refuse

The product can be avoided, its function can be replaced, or the use of raw materials can be eliminated.

Example 1: Continuing to use an existing office chair avoids the need to purchase a new one.

Example 2: Single-use packaging can be replaced with reusable packaging.

 

R1 – Rethink

The product is reconsidered in terms of circular design, including potential redesign of its form and construction. Product use is intensified, and the applicability of the other R strategies is assessed.

Example 1: Permanent material connections are replaced with detachable ones, for example by avoiding bonded joints.

Example 2: Approaches such as office sharing increase the intensity of use of office furniture.

Example 3: Furniture is designed so that it can be dismantled, materials can be separated, and individual parts can be disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

 

R2 – Reduce

Resource consumption is reduced during manufacture or use of the product.

Example 1: The use of a new manufacturing technology reduces energy consumption in production.

Example 2: New technology for electrically height-adjustable tables reduces electricity demand during use.

Example 3: New technology reduces the amount of material used in the product without compromising quality.

Example 4: Reusable packaging, used in cooperation with suppliers, reduces waste. Single-use packaging is returned specifically to the manufacturer, who then feeds it back into the production process.

 

R3 – Reuse

The product or a component is reused without modification.

Example 1: An office swivel chair is passed on unchanged to another user. This may take place within the same company or involve third parties, either directly or through resale.

Example 2: Furniture returned following complaints or from trade fairs, exhibition displays, showrooms and similar sources does not become waste. Instead, it is dismantled, its components are inspected, and they are returned to the production process.

 

R4 – Repair

A defective product or component is repaired so that it can continue to fulfil its intended use.

Example 1: A damaged tabletop is replaced with a new, undamaged tabletop.

Example 2: A damaged armrest component is replaced so that the armrest is fully functional again.

Example 3: The furniture is designed so that wear parts can be replaced easily.

 

R5 – Refurbish

The used product or component is refurbished so that it can continue to fulfil its original purpose. The aim is to ensure functionality, potentially supplemented by visual improvement.

Example: An office swivel chair is refurbished on a larger scale. The upholstery is renewed and covers are replaced where necessary. The chair remains essentially unchanged.

 

R6 – Remanufacture

A new product is manufactured from used components and, where applicable, new components. This may be based on a standardised process, usually carried out industrially.

Example: A new office swivel chair is built from old and new components. In the process, the product is given a new visual identity.

 

R7 – Repurpose

Used components are adapted to perform different functions in new products.

Example: A used tabletop is reconfigured and used in a wall cabinet.

 

 

R8 – Recycle

Materials are recovered mechanically or materially and become secondary raw materials, known as recyclates, which can be used in new products. A distinction is made between post-consumer material (material that has already been used by end consumers) and post-industrial material
(waste from manufacturing processes, usually separated at source).

Example: Plastics are materially recycled and can be used as plastic recyclates in new products.

 

R9 – Recover (including energy recovery)

The materials are recovered for energy or converted into other substances through chemical processes, such as depolymerisation or pyrolysis. These substances can then be materially recovered or used as secondary fuels.

Example 1: The PU foam of an office swivel chair is chemically broken down to obtain new feedstock for new polyurethane.

Example 2: Waste heat, for example from compressors, is recovered through a heat exchanger and fed into the production process, for example to heat a press, support other heat-dependent production processes, or heat production halls.

 

Distinguishing between the definitions

It is not always possible to draw a clear distinction between the individual R strategies. Depending on the context, the same process may be classified as R4 (Repair), R5 (Refurbish), or R6 (Remanufacture). This can be illustrated by the following example:

• Replacing a damaged tabletop to restore functionality during the regular period of use at the customer’s premises is classified as repair (R4).
• Replacing an old, damaged tabletop to extend its service life at the customer’s premises, combined with cleaning, inspection and maintenance, is classified as refurbishment (R5).
• Replacing an old, damaged tabletop in order to place the table back on the market for a third party may be classified as refurbishment or, if a new product is created, as remanufacturing, for example where a new, larger tabletop with new cable outlets is installed (R5/R6).