The circular economy concept applied to the furniture sector in Europe

The initiatives implemented within the European Union are aimed at meeting the sustainable development goals set by the UN (17 SDGs set in 2015). They are mainly grouped in the Green Deal for the EU published in 2019, which will lead to the revision of a number of regulations and the creation of new regulations. In parallel, the different Member States are deploying their own initiatives, either to meet the objectives of the Green Deal, or to instil their vision of the circular economy at national or regional level.

A study conducted by FCBA in 2022, funded by CODIFAB A, details the measures implemented to promote the circular economy in 5 countries.

Here is a brief overview of these measures:

• In Germany: implementation of an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle which concerns sales packaging, groupage packaging, transport packaging (pallets, films, etc.), distance selling packaging intended for consumers, and industrial packaging. There are 2 possibilities to meet the obligations:
  – registering directly on the LUCID platform of the central packaging register (ZSVR) before placing any packaging on the German market (a unique registration number is assigned) and declaring the annual quantities of packaging placed on the market (tonnages and materials);
  – join a Dual system for the collection and recycling of packaging waste and declare the annual quantities of packaging placed on the market (tonnages and materials).

• In Spain: Law 7/2022 of 8 April 2022 on waste and contaminated soil, for a circular economy dedicates its Title IV to the “Extended Product Producer Responsibility” and introduces the concept of EPR for household furniture (furniture and bedding). The sector must be implemented by 31 December 2024.

• In Italy: Legislative Decree No. 116 of 03/09/2020 on waste, in force since 26/09/2020, imposes mandatory markings on packaging: nature of materials and category of packaging (logistics, transport, etc.) by an alphanumeric code. It concerns primary, secondary and tertiary packaging of products intended for consumers, including imported packaging. In addition, an EPR system for furniture must be in place by 5 January 2023.

• In Denmark: No EPR system is in place, but there is a national strategy to promote circular design of consumer goods, change the public’s consumption habits, improve waste management and create a suitable market for recycled waste/materials. Household and commercial waste management is carried out through local authorities and private recyclers. In addition, restrictions on certain toxic chemicals are established: restriction on products containing more than 0.01% lead, restriction on the use of certain flame retardants and substances identified as endocrine disruptors.

• In the UK: The Environment Act 2021 establishes a national framework for environmental governance after leaving the EU (mainly for England). It requires the UK government to set targets for air quality, water, biodiversity, resource efficiency and waste reduction, and establishes an Environmental Protection Agency. This environmental policy will be adapted to be applicable to Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

EPR has been in place in the UK since 1997 for packaging. By the end of 2025, the government plans to introduce EPR for 5 new sectors, including textiles and bulky waste (including furniture and mattresses).