A Review Focusing on Users, Manufacturers, and Service Providers in the Furniture Sector Circularity: Servitization and Digitalization

The furniture sector is one of the sectors most likely to benefit from product value retention strategies. However, the strategies need to be tailored to specific product categories, and services and activities implemented by various stakeholders in the consumption and production system must support them. Furthermore, the user-product relationship should be explored throughout circular strategies. This study first provides a background on the relation between circular strategies, users, products, and manufacturing companies through a literature review. Cases of circular economy applications in the furniture sector are then examined through a systematic review. The cases cover a wide scope from materials and production techniques to companies, public institutions, NGOs, and regional studies. Services and activities supporting the circular economy implemented by manufacturing companies and service providers, as well as user-centered and digital ones, are listed. The main results of the study are that co-creation and digital platforms can support the most promising circular strategies, and that value retention strategies should be expanded to encompass the diverse needs of customer segments.