Designing for Sustainability: Challenges and Innovations in Green Supply Chain Management for Italian Furniture Companies

This thesis explores the adoption of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices within the furniture industry, with a focus on integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability. It analyzes how global value chain structures, consumer expectations, regulatory pressures, and technological innovations shape the sustainability performance of furniture manufacturers. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study identifies key strategies such as circular economy adoption, digitalization, eco-design, and supplier collaboration. Particular emphasis is placed on the roles of lead firms, buyer-driven governance, and market-based initiatives like certifications. The research also highlights persistent challenges including limited empirical validation, underexplored social procurement, and technological integration gaps. Emerging trends and best practices are critically examined, alongside regional and contextual considerations. The findings underscore the importance of cohesive, data-driven, and inclusive SSCM frameworks to enhance resilience and competitiveness in the sector. This thesis contributes to both academic understanding and managerial strategies for advancing sustainability in the global furniture supply chain.