Three-year project inspires circular business for a sustainable future

For three years, Flokk has participated in the ‘Business Model Innovation’ project to encourage and inspire circular business models within the furniture industry of Sweden – The overall goal to go from independent examples of circular implementations to more widespread use within both the design, manufacture and use of furniture.

In November, the accomplishments of the project were presented at an event in Gothenburg, outlining the participant's plan to help activate a more circular furniture industry across the country.

With a strong history of sustainable development and two high profile furniture brands based in Sweden, Flokk was invited to participate in the project, initiated by RISE (Research Institutes Sweden). Bringing together 25 organisations covering a range of specialities, from furniture manufacturing to architects, recycling organisations to trade unions, the project aimed to establish a framework not only to help the furniture industry but also to inspire other industries to similar solutions.

With stakeholders sharing valuable knowledge from their unique perspective, the project was able to offer fresh insight to all involved. And through a series of workshops, conferences and other collaborations, the project began to establish new ways of working to build up a more sustainable circular business model.

As a furniture manufacturer, Flokk was able to host several thematic workshops, exploring the unique challenges faced by furniture manufacturers and their value chains as they transition towards these circular ways of working.

The final conference, held on the 15^th of November in Gothenburg, saw over 130 individuals come together to hear about the final results, and learn how each of the partners has initiated circular processes into their work as a result of the project, as well as launching the findings report which can be used throughout the industry.

Presenting one of our latest designs, the RH New Logic, Flokk Business Development Manager Ola Tjade explained how the percentage of recycled materials has risen to 61% on the previous design, and how the mechanics of circular business models make design for disassembly so crucial.

Sustainability Manager Atle Thiis-Messel did a full make-over of the RH New Logic live on stage, during Ola’s speech. “With the innovative circular design of this fully functional office chair, I was able to demonstrate a complete change of seats & backs, and fully dismantle a seat into its few separate parts; fabrics, cushions and recycled plastic frame, and re-assemble the whole thing within few minutes”, Atle says.

With the project at a close, the real work can begin – helping to spread the knowledge. At Flokk, we will strengthen our efforts to build capabilities and design products to reach our circular vision for the future, while continuing to experiment with new circular set-ups and helping others to join us.

Learn more about our sustainability & circular economy efforts

Why is a circular economy important?

Creating the right environment for circular business models is key to hitting global targets for the reduction in Co2 emissions and resource consumption. By using these methods, which features furniture repair, restoration, recycling and reselling, it is entirely possible to see a significant reduction in the overall impact on the environment in comparison to a more linear system as seen today.

Watch this great video by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation explaining what it means to be a circular model, and why it's so important.