Page 46 - FDMAsia JulAug 2025

44 MATERIALS JUL/AUG 2025 FDM ASIA | www.fdmasia.com

Getty Images framework that links the following:
And to guide the study, we developed an integrative

• Material Transformation Layer: Repurposing wood pellet
waste into engineered composites suitable for non-structural

furniture applications;
• Smart Technology Layer: Embedding IoT modules and
energy systems into furniture components to enhance
adaptability and functionality;
• TQM Governance Layer: Applying PDCA and continuous
improvement methodologies to ensure product quality,
mechanisms. This triadic interaction was illustrated, where customisation capability, and environmental compliance.
feedback and data circulate among the three layers, forming
an adaptive system for sustainable product development. This framework supports a systems-level investigation into

This refined framework enhances the theoretical foundation sustainable smart furniture innovation, grounded in realistic
of the study by illustrating the synergistic mechanism that material constraints and operational excellence principles.
links material innovation, technological implementation, and
quality sustainability. Methodology
TQM is a holistic management approach emphasising This study employed a qualitative exploratory methodology,
continuous improvement, process control, and customer incorporating semi-structured interviews and observational case
satisfaction. Within the context of product innovation, TQM studies across three Taiwanese smart furniture manufacturers

provides structure for managing complex product development utilising wood pellet composites.
cycles—especially in sustainable design and smart manufacturing. A total of 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with
TQM tools such as the Plan–Do–Check–Act (PDCA) cycle, executives, product developers, and quality control managers
Six Sigma, and root cause analysis are widely applied to the from January to April 2025. Interview transcripts were thematically
following: coded using NVivo 15 to extract insights aligned with TQM
• Monitoring variability in material processing (e.g., WPC principles and sustainable design strategies.
extrusion quality); The study specifically focused on companies that integrate
• Optimising the integration of smart modules (e.g., sensor circular economy concepts in their production, with an
placement and energy efficiency); emphasis on lean production, customer-driven customisation,

• Ensuring compliance with environmental standards (e.g., and environmentally responsible sourcing.
lifecycle assessment, certification audits). The research is geographically limited to northern Taiwan
but captures cross-sectoral practices relevant to both traditional
Studies have shown that TQM can enhance incremental woodworking and smart embedded systems.
innovation in manufacturing, though its application in radical Ethical approval was secured from the Tamkang University
product innovation requires strategic alignment with R&D Research Committee, and all participants provided informed
processes. In the furniture industry, TQM supports both product consent. The multi-source data design ensured triangulation

consistency and mass customisation, enabling sustainable yet and enhanced the validity of findings within the defined
personalised consumer solutions. exploratory scope.