Forethinking, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry of the University of Bari Aldo Moro and Stampa Sud Spa, has officially launched an innovative research project that aims to improve the environmental impact of the furniture sector through the development of sustainable materials. This project is part of the MICS – Made in Italy Circular and Sustainable Enterprise Call, promoted by the Politecnico di Milano, and represents an important step towards the adoption of green solutions in the design and production of furniture elements.
MICS is an extended partnership between universities, research centres and enterprises, financed by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) thanks to the European funds of the NextGenerationEU programme (PNRR). The project aims to revolutionise ‘Made in Italy’ by focusing on production that is circular, self-sufficient, regenerative, reliable, safe and sustainable. The research focuses on crucial issues to address current challenges in the design, production, consumption and end-of-life models of materials, with the aim of adopting more ecological and circular solutions.
Specifically, the project, entitled ‘Molding furniture elements from recycled and waste cellulose cradle to cradle’, by Forethinking, focuses on the production of cellulose materials from biogenic or recycled waste for the furniture sector, which can be used for the production of furniture and decorative elements. The ultimate goal is to integrate these sustainable materials into the production cycle of the furniture sector, minimising the use of fossil resources and limiting waste, while promoting a new circular economy.
The context of the project
The project is part of a global context that is increasingly aware of the issues of environmental sustainability and reducing the ecological impact of industrial activities. The climate crisis and growing consumer demands for environmentally friendly products are pushing companies to rethink the way they design, produce and dispose of goods. ..
Cellulose, one of the most abundant natural raw materials, is a key element of this project. Through an advanced recycling process, the aim is to transform industrial and cellulose waste into high-value resources that can compete with traditional materials not only in terms of technical performance, but also in terms of design and aesthetic appeal.
Circular economy and cradle to cradle: the pillars of the project
The approach is based on the principles of the circular economy, an economic model that aims to eliminate the concept of ‘waste’ and keep materials in use for as long as possible. Within this paradigm, each stage of the product life cycle is optimised to reduce environmental impact, from design to production to end-of-life.
In this context, the cradle-to-cradle concept represents one of the central strategies of the project. While traditional production processes follow a linear approach (cradle to grave), where resources are extracted, used and then disposed of as waste, the cradle to cradle model promotes a closed cycle. This means that materials, once they have reached the end of their useful life, can be reintegrated into the production cycle without losing value.
The role of scientific research and collaboration
Underpinning this project is a strong collaboration between academic research and the business world. The Department of Chemistry at the University of Bari Aldo Moro plays a key role in the development and testing of new materials. Thanks to their expertise in materials chemistry and in-depth knowledge of recycling processes, innovative solutions are being explored to improve the quality and performance of recycled cellulose.
At the same time, Stampa Sud Spa, with its expertise in production with molding technologies, will be instrumental in bringing these innovations from the laboratory to industrial-scale production. The expertise in printing and processing materials will be crucial to ensure that the final products maintain high quality and competitive standards in the market.
The onboarding meeting and next steps
On 16 October 2024, there was an onboarding meeting for the beneficiaries of the MICS Call for Companies. This meeting represented an important opportunity to align objectives and strategies with the other entities involved in the project and with the coordination team of the Politecnico di Milano. During the meeting, operational guidelines were defined and activities for the coming months were planned.
In the next steps, the focus will be on optimising processes for recycling cellulose from biogenic waste and implementing prototypes to test the properties of the new materials in real scenarios. It will be crucial to ensure that the products meet the requirements of durability, safety and sustainability, both environmentally and economically.
Innovation, sustainability and design: a commitment to the future
This project is not just about creating new materials for the furniture industry, but represents a concrete commitment to a more sustainable future. Through the integration of eco-design strategies and the adoption of responsible production practices, it aims to demonstrate that it is possible to reconcile technological innovation with environmental protection.
Updates on the project’s progress will be shared, documenting every step along the way, from material experimentation to prototype testing and the marketing of the first products.
