An Examination of the Sustainability of the Global Furniture Market

WIX investigates the future of sustainability in the luxury furniture sector in Europe and America, examining trends and technologies that will influence 2025 and beyond.

As sustainability emerges as a critical subject across all sectors, the global furniture market is advancing with innovations that integrate aesthetics and accountability. We examine how Europe and America, the two predominant markets, are instigating change through the use of environmentally friendly products and sustainable practices to mitigate their ecological footprint.

European Market

 The European sustainable home furnishings market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) above 5% from 2025 to 2030. Europe ranks as the second-largest region globally for furniture manufacture, with Germany, Italy, and Poland at the forefront of exports (Source: Mordor Intelligence).

 The market derives advantages from a robust legacy of premium craftsmanship, merging contemporary technology with cultural traditions. Primary growth catalysts encompass the proliferation of the residential real estate market, especially in the luxury home segment, which enhances the need for sustainable furniture. The ascent of e-commerce is revolutionizing distribution methods, as consumers are progressively acquiring furniture online due to convenience and an expanded array of product options. The market is somewhat concentrated, comprising big entities like Adventures in Furniture, Grüne Erde, Mater, Bolia, and Ekomia, as well as developing mid-sized companies utilizing innovation to enhance their market presence. Sustainable materials such as wood, bamboo, and recycled PET are integral to product offerings, reflecting consumer desires for environmentally conscious home furnishings.

American Market

 The global sustainable furniture market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2020 to 2027, propelled by rising consumer demand for environmentally friendly items and the economic advantages of sustainable practices. The utilization of certified sustainable materials in furniture manufacture has increased by 200% since 2011. Nonetheless, obstacles remain, since the United States produced over 9.7 million tons of furniture garbage in 2018 (Source: Deskera)

 Sustainable production prioritizes renewable resources, minimizes waste, and upholds ethical labor practices. Essential certifications such as FSC, Cradle to Cradle, and GREENGUARD authenticate these initiatives. Transparency, encompassing supply chain accountability and sustainability reporting, is essential for fostering consumer trust. Designing for disassembly and closed-loop systems significantly improves sustainability. (Source: Deskera)

 Shifting to a circular economy in furniture production may generate up to USD 450 billion in annual worldwide economic advantages by 2030. Firms like as IKEA and Herman Miller illustrate this transition by incorporating recycled materials, energy-efficient methodologies, and modular designs.

 Below is a compilation of brands endeavoring to enhance sustainability within the furniture business. These products were introduced during Salone del Mobile 2025.

Moroso

The Gruuvelot sofa designed by Patricia Urquiola for Moros is inspired by 1970s free-spirited theme

The Gruuvelot sofa, crafted by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso, embodies the concept of "morphing." Unveiled at the recent Milan furniture fair — Salone del Mobile 2025 — the sofa garnered significant attention. The organic look features elements like protrusions, extensions, and varying volumes, integrated into a luxurious framework referred to as a “seating ecosystem.” Urquiola drew inspiration from the liberated spirit of the 1970s, characterized by its dynamic modularity and curvilinear shapes. The sofa is distinguished by its fabric, which employs a water-based method that diminishes water usage by 90% and lowers greenhouse gas emissions by 80% relative to conventional techniques. Patricia Urquiola created the Regos fabric for Kvadrat Febrik, inspired by nature and the notion of stratification. The fabric's design, characterized by contrasting colors and irregular patterns, encapsulates the concepts of layering and texture. The Greek word "regos," signifying "mantle," is the origin of the name Regos. It delineates the stratum of debris that envelops rocky surfaces, encompassing the lunar soil.

Prostoria

The Aire sofa designed by Ramos + Bassols for Prostoria.

At Salone del Mobile 2025, the Croatian furniture firm Prostoria unveils the Aire modular couch, a sculptural centerpiece that merges comfort, versatility, and refined lightness. The renowned Spanish design company Ramos + Bassols developed the seating arrangement to accommodate evolving spatial needs in residential and business environments. Aire, distinguished by its distinctive floating base that elevates the structure above the ground, provides versatility in both form and function, allowing for adjustable configurations and varying atmospheres. The selection of materials and craftsmanship of the sofa exemplify Prostoria's dedication to sustainability and quality. Aire, entirely produced at the company's Croatian factory, employs recyclable materials and features reversible joints to extend its durability. The modular sofa emanates comfort due to its gentle curves, refined proportions, and generous cushions, which offer a serene and stable ambiance.

Andreu World

The Archi side tables are made from recycled aluminium.

Launched during Salone del Mobile 2025, the Arch collection of side tables designed by David/Nicolas for Gallotti&Radice is crafted from chromed metal. This sculptural piece consists of modular side tables at varying heights, allowing it to function as a bold centrepiece or separate into individual elements for dynamic use. In today’s world, interiors evolve with us”, say David/Nicolas. Arch embraces this flexibility, offering endless possibilities in any space. It is made from recycled aluminium. With its sleek design and functional versatility, Arch is a statement of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary living.

Gallotti&Radice

The Adela Rex armchair designed by renowned designer Phillippe Starck.

The Spanish furniture brand, Andreu World, possesses a distinguished heritage and is renowned for its expertise in woodworking, sharing the same principles as French design icon Philippe Starck: democracy, nature, and the circular economy. The innovative application of plywood, a versatile, cost-effective, and sustainable material, exemplifies their artistic teamwork. Due in part to the contributions of renowned designers like as Philippe Starck, Andreu World, a leader in circular design within its industry, has evolved over the past 70 years into a global center for sustainability and innovation.

 “I do not wish to fell a tree to construct a table,” states Starck, embodying his attitude of respecting nature and utilizing wood judiciously.

 The concept of Andreu World, rooted in a passion for wood and a commitment to wellness-oriented design, aligns with Starck’s perspective that design, in any manifestation, should enhance the lives of numerous individuals and endure over time. For the 2025 collection, his collaboration with Andreu World has yielded minimalist, essential furniture crafted from a singular material, devoid of glue or screws, featuring a puzzle-like configuration of interlocking forms. Starck stated that the challenge was determining how to accomplish this with dignity.

 Plywood is the optimal choice for designers seeking to utilize resources judiciously. A solitary tree may produce numerous chairs by transforming a flat surface into a three-dimensional object. The material originates from meticulously selected, slowly maturing, reforested woodlands on brand-owned property. The result is the Forest Club collection, with several couches and lounge chairs featuring a layered construction that serves as a dual-tone exterior, like to Adela Rex. The backrest and seat are enveloped by contoured components that interlock.