The need for sustainability and more creative beautification of the furniture manufacturing process has been emphasised even as the challenges of the entire production chain were also highlighted. Speaking at the annual International Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) exhibition event in Abuja, Oliver Cohnen, an Architect and Master of Carpentry as well as the General Manager of Abuja Furniture Production, the furniture production unit of Julius Berger Plc, the engineering construction leader, said, “…with regard to the production of sustainable furniture and their challenges, it involves considering various aspects of the production process, including materials used, and the overall lifecycle of the furniture.”
According to Cohnen, “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are the three fundamental principles that guide sustainable practices and environmental conservation efforts.” He added that, “…these principles are crucial for promoting responsible consumption, minimizing waste generation, and conserving resources. By incorporating these principles into furniture and interior design, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Saying that sustainability is the concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, Cohnen added that, “…it encompasses practices and approaches that aim to balance social, environmental, and economic considerations to create a harmonious and enduring system.” In a broader sense, the AFP General Manager continued, “sustainability involves promoting responsible actions and making choices that minimize negative impacts on the planet, society, and the economy. It entails finding ways to preserve and protect natural resources, promote social equity and justice, and ensure long-term economic viability.”
Harping on the key principles and pillars of sustainability, which Oliver Cohnen identified as Social Equity, Economic Viability, Inter-generational Equity and Environmental Stewardship, the AFP general Manager further said, “sustainability fundamentally, operationally involves conserving and protecting natural resources, minimizing pollution and waste, promoting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of human activities on ecosystems.”
On the production of sustainable furniture and their challenges, he said it involves considering various aspects of the production process, materials used, and the overall lifecycle of the furniture, with a lot of key factors to consider. Cohnen submitted that in sourcing sustainable materials for quality furniture production, one of the primary challenges is finding and sourcing environmentally friendly and sustainable materials to produce furniture. This he added, includes materials like responsibly sourced wood, recycled or upcycled materials and non-toxic finishes or alternative materials like bamboo, cork, or recycled plastics. Cohnen, however, cautioned that one must avoid materials associated with deforestation, or high carbon emissions, adding that, ensuring a reliable and consistent supply of such materials can be a challenge, especially if they are not readily available in the market. Another challenge, he continued, include cost considerations. This is with a view to balancing sustainability with affordability. This, he added, can be a challenge, as consumers often consider price as a significant factor in their purchasing decisions.
Consideration of design and functionality to optimize resource usage and minimize waste, the General Manager said that, “creative furniture designs that are durable, timeless, and multifunctional, allowing for long-term use and adaptability, will take into consideration modularity to enable repair and replacement of specific components instead of discarding the entire piece. This may be a challenge, but a challenge with a creative promise and hope.”
Cohnen further said, energy and water consumption and supply chain considerations are to collaborate with suppliers who follow sustainable practices, ensuring they meet environmental and ethical standards. Reducing energy and water consumption during the manufacturing process is an essential aspect of sustainability adding that, “…in implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimizing production workflows, a consideration of renewable energy sources and using eco-friendly machinery can help minimize environmental impact.”
A manifestly well-rounded furniture production architect, Cohnen also professionally, authoritatively submitted that the ability to conduct a lifecycle assessment to understand the environmental impact of a manufacturer’s furniture, from material extraction to disposal is a top consideration. Under the circumstance, he added that “…furniture producers must use the findings to identify areas for improvement and implement sustainable practices throughout the entire lifecycle.” Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable practices across the entire supply chain, from sourcing materials to production, distribution, and end-of-life management. “Furniture manufacturers can contribute to a more sustainable industry by reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and promoting responsible consumption and production. Collaboration with suppliers, industry partners, and regulatory bodies can also help overcome these challenges and drive the adoption of sustainable practices in this sector,” said the Julius Berger-AFP General Manager, Oliver Cohnen.
On beauty in terms of furniture manufacturing, he said that is subjective and can vary based on a customer’s personal preferences, cultural influences, as well as design trends. There are, however, certain aspects and principles that can be considered when defining beauty in furniture manufacturing, he said. “Aesthetically pleasing furniture can evoke emotions, create a sense of harmony, and be visually captivating. It may feature elegant lines, balanced proportions, and thoughtful details,” Cohnen explained, adding that, the choice of materials being used can contribute to its beauty. He further submitted that “…skilful craftsmanship and attention to detail play a significant role in defining the beauty of furniture. Precise joinery, seamless finishes, and impeccable upholstery contribute to the overall quality and attractiveness of a piece. The level of craftsmanship reflects the dedication and expertise of the artisans involved in its creation.”
