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pcess609 demonstrating the vital role of transparent, science-based
communication in enhancing relationships” (from CEO interview).

Spotlight On PEF Advancements

Circling back to PEF, ECOFURNY has devoted its effort
to reducing component and packaging, increasing energy
efficiency through the implementation of new technology and
changing internal and external relations such as stakeholder
engagement and increased employees’ involvement in decision-
making processes.
This approach not only responds to customer demands By drawing on these research results, we can assert
but also enhances the company's image and competitiveness that ECOFURNY LCM approach does not consist of a mere
by aligning with ethics and social responsibility, which are product update according to LCA results. In fact, PEF study

"essential to its long-term profitability", as cited by environmental represents the ignited lit that spreads lifecycle principles.
manager. ECOFURNY defined the improvements actions based
Developing a collaborative approach to sustainability is on the results of the first PEF studies in 2018. From this
the second pillar, emphasising the importance of engaging assessment emerged the environmental performance of the
with various stakeholders. office desks to identify the main issues to improve. Climate
ECOFURNY's engagement with its trade association and change was as the main significant issue in the two desks.
suppliers illustrates this principle: "We frequently held meetings Contributing most to this result is “components” phase (mainly

with our trade association on sustainability and our process Aluminum-machining components) for both products and “use
on environmental sustainability started with the association and maintain” for the laminate version.
involving us in various initiatives and interesting projects. Our Resource use, mineral and metals and resource use,
suppliers are now familiar with LCA and have experienced energy carriers were two other relevant impact categories for
this methodology, which they see as a tool to improve trust the laminate office desk. Finally, the packaging contributed
and collaboration among stakeholders" (as cited by CEO). enough to environmental footprint of the ECOFURNY desks.
These actions foster a culture of cooperation and shared So, the improvements of the office desks interested the
goals towards sustainability. most significant issues emerged from the first PEF that can
Lastly, changing the company's relations underscores be summarised in the following results:

the transformative impact of LCA on stakeholder trust and • 1.Reducing the amount of metal parts (−25%) used to
collaboration. produce the structures and identifying finishes that require
The certification of an LCA study, as noted by environmental less processing and raw materials. These actions aim at
manager, "consolidates trust with customers and suppliers improving the “components” phase of life cycle assessment.
and increase the business opportunities. PEF also includes • 2.Wood dust removal is a major source of energy consumption.
institutional value as well as role at European level" confirm These machines have been replaced with more efficient
the supply chain manager. and less energy-consuming ones. So productive stages

Moreover, "LCA has helped us improve our corporate as “use and maintenance” can improve.
image and communication with our international customers, • 3.Reducing the energy consumption. This measure aims