Circular Economy has gained a lot of interest by academia as well as companies and policymakers. Sustainability goals of the European Union has mainly caused this acceleration. However, research argued that the true impact and scale of CE will only be realized when companies deploy Circular Business Models (CBMs) and Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in a holistic manner to capture new growth opportunities while also strengthening their core business. Especially digital technologies are seen as one of the key enablers for that transition and have become a central topic within the CE research agenda. This research looked at the potential role Blockchain technology can play in the transition towards Circular Economy of the Swedish Furniture Industry based on the identified challenges it currently faces. Based on the combination of literature - and empirical research, there can be concluded that the role of Blockchain technology in the transformation towards CE in the Swedish Furniture Industry is less significant than first anticipated. Based on the empirical findings, there can be concluded that the key driver of Blockchain technology is an environment where there is a systemic lack of trust related to transactions and data between different parties. In such circumstances, Blockchain technology does imply significantly added value due to its inherent features of decentralization, irreversibility, and transparency without the need for intermediary third parties. Circular economy can be seen as an ecosystem that consist of a complex network with different actors that all need certain information to effectively participate. Based on this research, the prominent implication for Blockchain technology in the Swedish Furniture Industry has been found in the current discussed European Union Product Passport in combination with the chemical regulation. Blockchain technology could play a prominent role in the aftermarket by enabling trust, transparency, and irreversibility. In this way all actors in the Circular Economy can use and contribute to the data in a uniform manner. / Cirkulär ekonomi har rönt stort intresse inom den akademiska världen samt bland företag och beslutsfattare. Det är främst Europeiska unionens hållbarhetsmål som har orsakat denna acceleration. Forskningen har dock visat att den verkliga effekten och omfattningen av den cirkulära ekonomin kommer att förverkligas först när företagen använder cirkulära affärsmodeller (CBM) och tekniker från den fjärde industriella revolutionen på ett holistiskt sätt för att ta tillvara nya tillväxtmöjligheter samtidigt som de stärker sin kärnverksamhet. Särskilt den digitala tekniken ses som en av de viktigaste faktorerna för denna övergång och har blivit en central fråga på forskningsagendan för CE. I denna forskning undersöktes vilken potentiell roll blockkedjetekniken kan spela i den svenska möbelindustrins övergång till cirkulär ekonomi utifrån de identifierade utmaningar som den för närvarande står inför. Baserat på kombinationen av litteratur - och empirisk forskning kan man dra slutsatsen att blockkedjeteknologins roll i omställningen till CE i den svenska möbelindustrin är mindre betydande än vad man först trodde. På grundval av de empiriska resultaten kan man dra slutsatsen att den viktigaste drivkraften för blockkedjetekniken är en miljö där det finns en systematisk brist på förtroende i samband med transaktioner och data mellan olika parter. Under sådana omständigheter innebär blockkedjetekniken ett betydande mervärde på grund av dess inneboende egenskaper i form av decentralisering, irreversibilitet och öppenhet utan behov av tredje part som mellanhand. Den cirkulära ekonomin kan ses som ett ekosystem som består av ett komplext nätverk med olika aktörer som alla behöver viss information för att effektivt kunna delta. Baserat på denna forskning har den framträdande implikationen för blockkedjetekniken i den svenska möbelindustrin hittats i det för närvarande diskuterade Europeiska unionens produktpass i kombination med kemikalieförordningen. Blockkedjetekniken skulle kunna spela en betydande roll för attmöjliggöra förtroende, transparens och oåterkallelighet. På så sätt kan alla aktörer i den cirkulära ekonomin använda och bidra till data på ett enhetligt sätt.

The project was carried out as a master’s thesis at Royal Institute of Technology, in collaboration withthe kitchen designer Lucks by Robo in Stockholm, Sweden. The purpose of this project was to analyze new demands on office furniture due to hybrid work & homeworking, a result of the covid-19 pandemic. The project was also to apply findings in some type of furniture for the home. Using a human-centered design process the project was to answer the following research questions; (1) What may the future of homeworking look like? (2) What are some common challenges people have when integrating part of their office into their homes and what furniture related needs or desires have emerged? and (3) What are some new characteristics needed to consider when designing furniture for the home office and how can they be applied in the product design? The project carried out a literature study of the hybrid work structure and its future, an extensive userstudy and a brand identity analysis. The project resulted in four main insights where one of the most crucial was the product system needed for an optimal home working environment. Five different groups who represent different levels of needs were identified. Application of the findings were also made through the product development of a piece of furniture for the work environment in the home in a Scandinavian and contemporary style. With a product focus, a height adjustable table was designed to fulfil the identified, functional and aesthetic needs and characteristics for the home office. The product was adapted for the manufacturing and production of Lucks. This resulted in a height adjustable table made of HDF, using four gas springs for the height adjustable mechanism. / Projekt är ett master examensarbete utfört på KTH, Kungliga Teknisk Högskolan, i samarbete med köksföretaget Lucks by Robo, i Stockholm Sverige. Syftet med projektet är att analysera nya krav som ställs på möbelmarknad i samband med den hybrida arbetsstrukturen, mer specifikt den kraftiga ökningen av hemarbete som påverkats av covid-19 pandemin. Arbetet ska också applicera resultat i form av en möbel anpassat för hemarbetet. Med en människocentrerad designprocess skall projektet besvara följande forskningsfrågor; (1) Hur ser framtiden för hemarbete ut? (2) Vilka utmaningar uppstår då hemmet omvandlas till ett deltids kontor för hemarbetet och vilka möbelrelaterade behov och krav uppstår i samband med detta? och (3) Hur kan dessa krav och behov appliceras på en möbel för hemarbetet?Projektet utförde en litteraturstudie kring den hybrida arbetsstrukturen och dess framtid, en omfattande användarstudie och en analys av varumärkets identitet. Projektet resultera i fyra insikter, där en av de viktigaste var behovet av ett produktsystem för att optimera ett hemmakontor. Fem olika behovsgrupper av olika magnitud identifierades. Projektet applicerade även resultatet i ett produktutvecklingsarbete kring möbler för hemarbete. Detta resultera i ett produktfokus på ett höj och sänkbart bord designad föratt uppfylla identifierade krav som berörde både funktion och estetik för ett hemmakontor. Bordet är anpassad till Lucks by Robo’s produktion och tillverkning. Detta resultera i ett höj och sänkbartbord i HDF som använder sig av fyra gasfjädrar för dess höj och sänkbara funktion.

Spatial Translations (Rum i översättning) explores how point cloud scanning, a new technical tool for spatial documentation, also has the possibility to be generative in a new design process within interior architecture and furniture design. The tool has streamlined the process of gathering spatial information and provides a detailed digital basis for further designing. I believe that all tools and materials that the architect uses, affect the design work in different ways. This project explores how this new type of digital material, with a greater amount of spatial information and interpretations, actively can influence further design that takes place in the scanned space. The constant development of technical and virtual means within the profession has a major impact on future architecture and the built environment around us. It is important to increase the understanding of the technology as well as to be critical and innovative about its impact and possibilities in a creative practice. The investigation of the technology is explored theoretically and practically in different spatial contexts as well as in digital manipulations of the information. Spatial Translations is inspired by colleagues, such as Interiors Matter, who have used point cloud scanning in other projects. This project tests and takes on similar explorations and materialization methods, but in a different context and implemented design. In the practical examination of the digital information, interesting misscans and spatial manipulations are found. These errors are the scanners perception of the rooms and occurs through various spatial challenges it was faced with. The project concludes that the technology offers a large amount of detailed digital and spatial material that is inspiring in many ways for new developments of ideas in further design processes.

This study investigated the current handling of furniture in Sweden's 21regional counties, focusing on circular strategies. The aim was to identifyobstacles and opportunities for improving sustainability through circularfurniture management. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combiningsurveys and focus group interviews with managers responsible for furniturestrategies and representatives from procurement organisations. The resultsrevealed a growing awareness and commitment to circularity, but alsochallenges such as a lack of clear responsibility, resource constraints, andknowledge gaps. The study also found that wood, as a durable and repairablematerial, could mitigate obstacles and enhance circular strategies. However,clearer definitions and sustainability criteria for wooden furniture inprocurement were needed. The study emphasised a multifaceted approach topromote circular furniture management, including increased resources,improved communication, changes in procurement, and clearer guidelines.

During the last decades, the U.S. wood products (NAICS 321) and furniture manufacturing (NAICS 337) industries have been greatly affected by economic cycles, rising production and transportation costs, changing buyer habits, and, arguably, most powerfully, increasing global competition. As a result, tens of thousands of jobs were lost and a large number of companies in the industry experienced bankruptcy, closed operations, or relocated to other countries. However, theories exist stating that the use of management systems, such as, for example, Lean management, allows companies to become more competitive and enhance the likelihood of survival. A mail survey was conducted to investigate companies in Virginia's wood products and furniture manufacturing industries as to their awareness of Lean management, the implementation of Lean practices, as well as the companies' need for support in Lean implementation efforts. Findings indicate that a majority of Virginia's wood products and furniture manufacturing industries have heard about terms like, for example, Lean management, Lean manufacturing, or Lean thinking, but are rarely aware of individual Lean elements of which Lean consists. Few businesses thus have implemented Lean. However, findings show that Lean awareness and Lean implementation status differs between individual industry sub-segments. The group of industry segments with the highest Lean awareness and Lean implementation status were "engineered wood products," "manufactured homes," and "household furniture manufacturing," as opposed to industry sub-segments such as "sawmill" and "wood container and pallets," which had lower Lean awareness and Lean implementation status. The study also revealed that smaller companies (less than 50 employees) have a lower level of Lean awareness and implementation status than do larger companies (50-499 employees). Despite the low level of Lean implementation across the wood products and furniture manufacturing industry in Virginia, less than one-fourth of all respondents indicated a need for Lean implementation support. / Master of Science

This study investigates regional average hourly wage differences in the United States furniture industry. County level census data used to compare average wages in the South with average wages in the non-South showed a considerably lower wage structure in the South. Regression models suggest wage variation is strongly influenced by factors related to economic organization, and moderately influenced by labor market characteristics, urbanization, and product type; however, region provides the single best estimate of wages. Dividing the sample into South and non-South subsamples and constructing separate regression models increased the predictive power of the models in the non-South, but failed to predict wage rates in the South. / Master of Science

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent specific ergonomic factor implementations in computer and video display terminal (VDT) installations for student use in middle school classrooms. The data interpretations using existing furniture without modification or adaptation. Of all the seating observed, 75% of the seating met standards for middle school students. Keyboards and video display screens had been placed on existing tables and were all higher than ergonomically desirable for middle school students or adults.

A circular economy has been suggested to be able to respond to environmental challenges caused by over-production and consumption of products. Reuse is a circularity measure ranked high in the waste management hierarchy and is especially relevant for passive durable products such as furniture. Reusing furniture has the potential to contribute to the decarbonization of companies. This thesis aimed to explore the potential of reuse contribution to climate change mitigation. An Excel model was developed to explore different reuse scenarios from a life cycle perspective, accounting for potential avoided emissions by selling second-hand furniture. The results indicated that reusing furniture resulted in about 42% reduced climate impacts, although it depended on the characteristics of second-hand trade. Furthermore, the second-hand furniture trade characteristics that influence the GHG emissions were identified, such as replacement rates, second-hand transport, and variability of items sold. An improved scenario by optimizing the furniture trade characteristics can save up to 80% of climate impact. The results indicated that reuse could significantly contribute to the climate commitments of companies, although it cannot be the only mitigation measure to reach carbon neutrality. / Att implementera en cirkulär ekonomi har föreslagits för att kunna adressera miljöutmaningar orsakade av överproduktion och konsumtion av produkter. Återanvändning är ett cirkulärt mått som rankas högt i avfallshanteringshierarkin och är särskilt relevant för passiva och slitstarka produkter som möbler. Återanvändning av möbler har potential att bidra till att minska koldioxidutsläppen hos företag. Denna avhandling syftade till att undersöka potentialen om återanvändning kan bidra till att minska klimatförändringen. En Excel-modell utvecklades för att utforska olika återanvändnings- scenarier ur ett livscykelperspektiv som räknar ut potentiella undvikna utsläpp genom att sälja begagnade möbler. Resultaten visade att återanvändning av möbler resulterade i cirka 40 % minskad klimatpåverkan, även om det berodde på second-handhandelns egenskaper. Vidare identifierades second-handmöbelhandelns egenskaper som påverkar utsläppen av växthusgaser, t.ex. som ersättningstaket, second-handtransport och variation av sålda varor. Ett förbättrat scenario genom att optimera möbelhandelns egenskaper kan spara upp till 80 % av klimatpåverkan. Resultaten visade att återanvändning avsevärt skulle kunna bidra till företagens klimatåtaganden, även om det inte kan vara den enda begränsningsåtgärden för att nå koldioxidneutralitet.

Thule Möbler AB in Kungsör, Sweden, is a retailer and manufacturer of furniture and fixtures for offices. They have previously worked with a general environmental declaration which describes the company’s overall environmental work, but they see a need for declaring the environmental performance of specific products. It is seen as an advantage if the environmental declaration can be used in product development to integrate consideration for environmental issues in the development process as well. The company also wish to develop and improve an existing series for office-storage, called Space. The work conducted in this paper is based on a product development process combined with a general research process which consists of a pre-study that describes the work of developing an environmental declaration and a case-study that includes the testing of the environmental declaration in the development of the office-storage Space. The methods used for developing the environmental declaration are literature reviews on standards for environmental declaration, scientific papers on the subject, environmental declarations from other companies and literature concerning productdevelopment tools and their structure. The use of the environmental declaration as product-information is tested and evaluated by trials on the intended user while the use of the environmental declaration as a product development tool is tested through the case-study. The case-study is based on a product development process that includes different product development tools, user-studies and analysis of the market. The user-studies and market-analysis are conducted as observation, questionnaires,interviews and a small literature review. The result is described both for the pre-study with the design of the environmental declaration and the case-study with the outcome of the product development. The environmental declaration consists of three documents, one template to be filled, one instruction for filling out the template, one spreadsheet containing the data to fill in and one example of a filled in declaration. The product consists of modules in the size 800x400x400mm that are connected by connection-brackets. The modules can be fitted with doors and handles, shelves and partitions, base and attachments for small-storage. The modules can be placed in six different ways in relation to each other and can be rearranged when needed. They can also be places free-standing or against a wall. The result of the case-study shows that the environmental declaration can be used as a tool for product development concerning evaluation and selection. The try-outs that are conducted indicates that the environmental declaration also is suitable for use as product-information. It is however important that the environmental declaration is continuously updated to ensure the data is correct, it should also be expanded to include other products. The developed product should be tested for strength and stability in accordance with Swedish standards. / Företaget Thule Möbler AB i Kungsör tillverkar och säljer möbler och inredning för kontor. De har sedan tidigare arbetat med en generell miljödeklaration som beskriver företagets övergripande miljöarbete men ser ett behov av att även redovisa miljörelaterade egenskaper för enskilda produkter. Det är en fördel om miljödeklarationen kan användas vid produktutveckling för att integrera miljöfrågor även under utvecklingsprocessen. Företaget vill dessutom utveckla en befintlig möbelserie, förvaringsserien Space. Arbetet baseras på en produktutvecklingsprocess kombinerad med en forskningsprocess bestående av en förstudie där miljödeklarationen tas fram efterföljt av en fallstudie där deklarationen testas under utvecklingen av förvaringsserien Space. Miljödeklarationen tas fram med hjälp av litteraturstudier innehållande standarder för miljödeklarationer, vetenskapliga artiklar i ämnet, befintliga miljödeklarationer från andra företag samt litteratur kring produktutvecklingsverktyg och dess uppbyggnad. Användandet av miljödeklarationen som produktinformation testas och utvärderas genom utprovning av användare medan deklarationen som produktutvecklingsverktyg testas i fallstudien. Fallstudien baseras på en produktutvecklingsprocess där olika produktutvecklingsverktyg, användarstudier och marknadsanalyser används. Användarstudier och marknadsanalys genomförs med hjälp av observationer, enkäter, intervjuer samt en mindre litteraturstudie. Resultatet redovisas både för förstudien där miljödeklarationens utformning beskrivs samt för fallstudien där resultatet av produktutvecklingen beskrivs. Miljödeklarationen består av fyra dokument, en mall för ifyllande av deklaration, en instruktion för ifyllande av deklaration, underlag för ifyllande av deklaration samt ett exempel på en ifylld deklaration. Den utvecklade produkten består av moduler i storleken 800x400x400mm som kopplas samman med hjälp av kopplingsbeslag. Till modulerna finns dörrar och handtag, hyllor och avdelare, sockel samt tillbehör för småförvaring. Modulerna kan placeras i sex olika lägen i förhållande till varandra samt möbleras om vid behov. De kan även placeras både fristående samt mot vägg. Resultatet av fallstudien visar att miljödeklarationen med fördel kan användas som produktutvecklingsverktyg för utvärdering och urval. De utprovningar som genomförs tyder även på att miljödeklarationen är lämplig att använda som produktinformation. Miljödeklarationen bör dock uppdateras kontinuerligt för att säkerställa informationens riktighet, den bör även utökas för att kunna tillämpas på fler produkter. Den framtagna möbeln bör testas gällande hållfasthet och stabilitet enligt Svensk standard.

The Linear Economy cannot any longer be sustained by the eco-system: virgin resources are limited and destined to terminate soon if the contemporary production and consumption model will be maintained. For this reason, in the last few years Circular Economy has become an increasingly discussed topic worldwide. Through the adoption of strategies that close-the-loop of the traditional linear production system, Circular Economy aims to find solutions that can create a balance between economy, society and environment. This study aims to provide a holistic overview on the main theories and strategies that can ease a business transition to a Circular Economy model, to analyse challenges and opportunities connected to this conversion and to present a concrete tool developed for this purpose. The Life Cycle Design theory is here discussed and contextualised within the furniture industry reality since this study has been executed in collaboration with IKEA, the company case study of this thesis. An academic and professional literature review have been performed in order to gather information about theory and practice related to the implementation of strategies needed by a Circular Economy: product disassembly, recovery, reuse, refurbish, recycle and remanufacturing. The professional literature reviewed point out that the implementation of a circular model can lead to economic advantages and growth’s opportunities for manufacturers in various economic sectors. The implementation of Circular Economy in the furniture industry seems to be in its early stages and it mainly focus, with few exception, on recycling rather than on the more effective reuse, refurbish or remanufacturing operations. This study points out the two main issues that the furniture manufacturers need to solve in order to enable the implementation of more effective circular strategies: product disassembly and recovery. Furthermore, the need of an innovative and holistic approach is discussed with particular emphasis on the importance of a systemic thinking that enable organisation to create their own identity and objectives in relation to the Circular Economy model. The importance of a system that connects and coordinate the sustainable efforts and aims for new products and services is therefore highlighted, suggested and deeply considered in the development of the tool proposed. To conclude, a comparison between two IKEA products (the sofas Söderhamn and Knopparp) was performed to identify the role of the products’ design and development in relation with the implementation of a Circular Economy model. The products were briefly technically analysed and then a comparison between a linear and a circular end-of-life cycle scenario has been represented.