On Friday, 14 November 2024, the first online kick-off meeting of the Interreg IPA ADRION project titled “Shaping new paths towards FUrniture circuLARity – FULAR” was held, with the participation of all partners.
The FULAR project aims to strengthen the implementation of circular economy practices in the production processes of the furniture sector. It seeks to raise awareness and inform key stakeholders in the Adriatic–Ionian region about sustainability, the exploration of alternative materials and technologies, as well as new assembly techniques that promote circularity in the wood industry. As part of the project, furniture prototypes will also be developed using the selected alternative materials, with the goal of promoting the adoption of circular solutions.
Project Structure – The Three Work Packages
WP1 – Common methodology & mapping of the current situation
The project partners will apply a common methodology for a transnational assessment of the performance of forest-based industries and consumers regarding sustainability and circular economy practices. WP1 will highlight best practices and SMEs that have already integrated circular models into their production, forming a clear picture of the current state of the furniture sector in the ADRION region. These data will serve as the basis for developing a common strategy with objectives and actions to promote circularity in the sector.
WP2 – Development of practical solutions & circular economy guide
WP2 focuses on identifying practical solutions based on circular materials and technologies, targeting forest-based industries in the region. Strategic guidelines will be developed through research, along with a manual for furniture enterprises. This manual will be distributed to stakeholders across the Adriatic–Ionian region to support SMEs in adopting circular economy models and will serve as a reference point for the pilot actions of WP3.
WP3 – Demonstration of circular solutions & international competition
The goal of WP3 is to demonstrate the feasibility of producing “green” furniture products using the materials and techniques derived from WP2. The International Competition “Green Challenge for Designers” will be organized, inviting students and designers to submit eco-design proposals based on the scientific results of the project. The awarded proposals will be further developed in the Materials Engineering International Workshops, where three of them will be selected for prototyping.
The FULAR project has a duration of three years and is implemented by 10 partners from seven Mediterranean countries: Greece, Slovenia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, and Serbia.
Through FULAR, new pathways are being opened toward a more sustainable and circular furniture sector in the ADRION region, enhancing innovation, collaboration, and the green transition.
