A Horizon Europe project
Connecting research, industry and innovation to accelerate the circular transition of the furniture sector
The project
€5.4M
total budget
100K+
hours of effort
€4.8M
EU funding
15
sector organisations
5
technology centres
4
furniture industry companies
15
new business models
25
new circular materials
6
re-adapted designs
Funded by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe programme, the FRANCESCA project is an initiative that brings together a European consortium of research organisations, companies and sector associations to accelerate the circular transition of the furniture sector across Europe.
Driving circular sector change
The project addresses the structural barriers that currently limit the adoption of circular economy practices in the furniture industry. By developing innovative solutions in circular design, sustainable materials, circular business models and digital tools, FRANCESCA supports the transition of the furniture sector towards a more sustainable, efficient and competitive model.
Tested in real industry
FRANCESCA moves beyond theoretical research by validating its solutions in real industrial environments. Through a series of demonstrators focused on design, materials and service-based business models, the project will test circular strategies under real operational conditions within the furniture industry.
Multidisciplinary European Approach
The project brings together multidisciplinary expertise, from design and materials science to sustainability assessment, digital technologies and business innovation, with partners across several European countries to develop scalable solutions for the transition to a circular furniture ecosystem.
Connecting the value chain
FRANCESCA fosters collaboration between different actors across and beyond the furniture industry. By connecting designers, manufacturers, material suppliers, recyclers and social organisations, the project promotes new forms of cooperation that facilitate the implementation of circular practices throughout the value chain.
Co-creating circular solutions
The project aims to strengthen a collaborative ecosystem where companies, research organisations and other stakeholders co-create circular solutions. Through tools, guidelines and collaborative platforms, FRANCESCA supports the development of circular ecosystems capable of generating new forms of value and innovation.
From knowledge to validated circular solutions
FRANCESCA follows a structured methodology that combines research, solution development and real-world validation to accelerate the circular transition of the furniture sector.
Addressing the barriers to circular furniture
The transition to a circular furniture sector in Europe is still limited by several structural barriers across the value chain. These include low consumer awareness, challenges in circular design and materials, complex supply chains and limited reuse and recycling practices. FRANCESCA addresses these challenges by developing and testing practical solutions to support the sector’s circular transition.
Knowledge sharing
FRANCESCA promotes knowledge sharing and capacity building through reports, studies, training resources and policy recommendations produced throughout the project. These materials support learning, skills development and informed decision-making, helping stakeholders across the furniture sector adopt circular practices and innovative solutions.