On October 10, the University of Florence hosted a crucial event entitled “Made in Italy towards Sustainability. From Tradition to Futures”. The meeting, held in Room 204 of the Santa Teresa Complex at the University of Florence, focused on exploring business models, tools, and methods to support circularity in the furniture and interior design system.
Organized by the Centro Sperimentale del Mobile, the initiative brought together experts and companies to discuss the urgent ecological and digital transition of the sector, which represents a key opportunity for the future.
Focus on models and tools for transition
After a brief introduction to the day by Prof. Giuseppe Lotti of the Department of Architecture (DIDA) at the University of Florence and the contextualization of the role of the Interior and Design District (dID) in supporting the regional furniture system by Dr. Irene Burroni, the day unfolded through several thematic modules:
Strategic projects and regulations
- Ecodesign Regulation: Omar Degoli of FederlegnoArredo illustrated how companies can prepare for the new Ecodesign Regulation, presenting the R-evolve project.
- Circular Training: Carlo Pace (ASLAM) outlined the emerging professional profile of the Circular Economy Transition Manager, through the results of the Erasmus+ CirCLER project.
Digital Platforms and Tools
The session focused on innovative tools for implementing circularity:
- Circular Design Strategies: Xue Pei (POLIMI) explored strategies for circular transition at the product, business model, and ecosystem levels.
- Digital Management: the topics of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) for furniture in Italy were discussed, again with Omar Degoli, and the importance of the Digital Product Passport in the furniture sector was presented by Sergio Gusmeroli (POLIMI).
The Direct Experience of Companies
A moment of great interest was dedicated to company case histories. Participants were able to listen to and analyse the experiences of two great examples of Italian design excellence:
- The LAGO case
- The MOLTENI case
The event concluded with closing remarks by Lucia De Siervo of the Tuscany Region, followed by a session of mediated working groups and instant reports, allowing participants to translate the concepts they had learned into concrete action plans.
The seminar “Made in Italy towards Sustainability” was a key event in guiding furniture and design companies towards a more sustainable and internationally competitive future.