Sustainable Supply Chains in the Furniture Industry: Drivers, Determinants, and Insights on Recycled Wood Use

In recent years, sustainability has become a central concern in supply chain management, particularly in resource-intensive industries such as furniture manufacturing. This thesis explores the key drivers behind the growing adoption of recycled wood in the Italian wood furniture industry, a sector globally recognized for its craftsmanship, design, and export value. The research investigates how sustainability-oriented strategies are integrated into supply chain decisions, focusing on environmental, economic, and regulatory motivations for using recycled materials. Through a combination of literature review and qualitative interviews with industry stakeholders, the study identifies internal and external factors — such as consumer awareness, cost efficiency, EU environmental policies, and corporate social responsibility — that influence companies’ choices. By analyzing the practices of Italian furniture manufacturers, the thesis highlights how circular economy principles are reshaping traditional supply chains. The findings provide valuable insights for companies seeking to align environmental goals with operational effectiveness and offer policy recommendations to support greener industrial transformation in the sector.