European trade associations are preparing training for sustainable furniture production

European trade associations are preparing training for sustainable furniture production

SD Ecofurniture is a new European industry initiative for training in sustainable production of furniture. The furniture industry associations in France, Romania and Spain have taken the first step. The ever growing interest in the society for the environment and sustainable development has led to an increased demand for environmental expertise.

Working with a sustainable environmental perspective is not only  based on the hope of reducing environmental impact. Sustainable environmental performance can also result in reduced production costs, increase efficiency, sales and value of the company’s brand. By green furniture production companies can show their clients and other actors that they have expertise and an unique product. The initiative involves the exchange and document the knowledge of standards, research, innovation, production, marketing and training, which promotes sustainable furniture production. The project is supported by the EU Programme for European Training, Leonardo da Vinci (LdV).

– It is important that we are well prepared, for the furniture industry to effectively meeting the challenge in an environmentally and socially sustainable furniture production. The French government plans include new laws that environmental taxes and mandatory eco-furniture. They also work to ensure that these requirements will be recognized at the EU level, “said Marie-Lise Roux, research and development manager for furniture at FCBA.