Sustainability in the Wood and Furniture Industry: Overcoming Barriers to a Greener Supply Chain

The furniture and wood industry plays a significant role in global trade and environmental impact, requiring urgent sustainability efforts to mitigate deforestation, waste generation, and carbon emissions. This thesis explores the complexities of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) within the sector, highlighting challenges such as supply chain fragmentation, transparency issues, regulatory compliance, and cost constraints. Additionally, it investigates innovative strategies, including circular economy principles, eco-design, digital tracking technologies, and renewable energy adoption, to enhance sustainability across the supply chain. By analyzing industry practices, stakeholder engagement, and consumer influence, this research provides a comprehensive evaluation of emerging solutions for reducing environmental footprints and promoting long-term sustainability. Through qualitative research, including expert interviews and literature reviews, the study aims to offer practical insights for manufacturers, policymakers, and stakeholders to accelerate the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable furniture industry. The findings underscore the importance of technological advancements, regulatory support, and consumer demand in driving systemic change, shaping a future where sustainability is integral to supply chain operations.