Technovative Solutions at the ‘Path to Greater Circularity’

Technovative Solutions Limited participated and presented at the event titled ‘Eco-Design: The Path to Greater Circularity’, held on July 3 at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, organised by the Furniture Makers’ Company’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, and sponsored by Blum UK. The event focussed on discussions by industry experts about circular design; product circularity assessments and carbon measurement; and the evolving requirement for digital product passports (DPP). The event also hosted a panel discussion with committee members considering the implications for manufacturers and suppliers across furniture, fabrics, and bedding; followed by a question-and-answer session.

At the event, Salauddin Sohag, Head of Product, Technovative Solutions LTD (TVS) along with Joanna Knight, chairman of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee at The Furniture Makers’ Company attended a panel titled, "Digital Product Passports – what are they and how do they support the circular economy?"

Salauddin Sohag had an exciting and productive time throughout the event, particularly after his presentation highlighting how DPP marks a significant stride towards resolving the longstanding challenges of transparency and traceability in the furniture industry. By facilitating informed decision-making across the value chain, DPP emerges as a critical tool in advancing the principles of the Circular Economy and sustainability. 

In this article, Salauddin Sohag reflects on his insights on the overall event and future collaborations helping to define, refine, and implement effective DPP solutions.

The diverse crowd!

Fig. Jessica Alexander, Director of the British Furniture Confederation and National Bed Federation inaugurated the event

The event was a remarkable convergence of industry leaders, design specialists, environmentalists, and various associations, all dedicated to the future of sustainable furniture. The historical significance of The Furniture Makers’ Company, a livery company and the furnishing industry’s charity, provided an inspiring backdrop for the discussions. The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including furniture manufacturers, design students, and representatives from key associations such as the British Furniture Confederation, National Bed Federation, Furniture Industry Research Association, and Commercial Interiors UK. This diverse representation underscored the wide-reaching interest and collaborative spirit driving the industry towards greater circularity and eco-design.

Jessica Alexander, Director of the British Furniture Confederation and National Bed Federation, opened the event with a compelling speech. She delved into the EU ESPR regulation and its implications for the UK, placing significant emphasis on the Digital Product Passport (DPP). This set the stage for an engaging and informative discussion on digital innovation in product lifecycle management.

DigiProdPass: TVS presentation and discussion

I had the privilege of representing DigiProdPass, a sister concern of the TVS, and presenting alongside Joanna Knight, Chair of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee at The Furniture Makers’ Company. Our presentation focussed on the workings of the Digital Product Passport, covering aspects such as data entry, management, and storage cost implications. We also highlighted DigiProdPass and Technovative Solutions’ contributions to the DPP space across various industries, particularly our pioneering work in the battery industry where we lead several EU projects.

Fig. how the Digital Product Passport operates in a real-world scenario

During my presentation, I demonstrated our proof of concept for DPP specifically tailored for the furniture industry. This included a detailed walkthrough of how the Digital Product Passport operates in a real-world scenario. One of the key features I showcased was the hierarchical passport system, which illustrates the parent-child relationships of a product and its components. This innovative approach allows manufacturers and consumers to trace each part of a product back to its origin, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the product’s lifecycle.

The hierarchical passport system not only aids in compliance with upcoming regulations but also empowers manufacturers to manage their supply chains more efficiently. By seeing the parent-child relationship within the DPP, companies can quickly identify and address issues related to specific components, enhancing overall product quality and sustainability. This system also supports the principles of circularity by making it easier to refurbish, recycle, and reuse individual parts of a product.

An enthusiastic audience

The audience’s reaction to the DPP topic was particularly noteworthy. It was evident that manufacturers were highly interested in this innovative solution. The enthusiasm and engagement were palpable, with numerous manufacturers keen to discuss DPP solutions in more detail and arrange follow-up meetings. This strong interest underscores the relevance and urgency of DPP in the industry’s move towards circularity and sustainability.

In addition to our presentation, other speakers covered various aspects of circularity and eco-design, further enriching the discussion. However, it was clear that the DPP was the hot topic of the event, sparking significant interest and dialogue among the attendees

Conclusion and collaborations

Overall, the event was an invaluable opportunity to share insights, foster collaborations, and drive the conversation on eco-design and circularity forward. The positive response to our presentation and the subsequent follow-ups highlight the industry’s readiness to embrace digital innovation and work collectively towards a sustainable future.

I look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborations, helping to define, refine, and implement effective DPP solutions well ahead of regulatory deadlines. The event has certainly paved the way for exciting developments in the furniture industry and beyond, demonstrating the power of innovation in achieving greater sustainability.