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MATERIALS 45
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Following Yin’s methodology for multiple-case studies, pellets.
this research employed an exploratory embedded case study 2. Ori Living—Smart modular furniture with IoT-based actuation
design. This approach enabled investigation into a complex, systems.
emerging innovation landscape where variables such as 3. Forust—3D printing using reconstituted wood waste

material characteristics, technology adoption, and management including pellet feedstock.
practices intersect. 4. IKEA x Little Sun—Sustainable furniture integrating solar-
The rationale for using qualitative case studies included powered smart modules and recycled materials.
the following:
• Capturing context-dependent knowledge in real-world These cases did not uniformly use raw wood pellets,
settings; but were selected for their relevance in demonstrating how
• Exploring emerging technological integrations where repurposed wood waste, smart modules, and quality systems
quantitative data were limited; converge in practice.
• Understanding stakeholder interactions and strategic These selection criteria were designed to comprehensively

processes. evaluate projects across four key dimensions: material
advancement, intelligent integration, quality assurance, and
The research was grounded in a theoretical integration sustainability leadership.
framework that combined the following: Each dimension reflected an essential pillar of innovation
• Sustainable Materials Theory (repurposed biomass into that aligned with contemporary demands for eco-conscious,
functional composites); smart, and reliable solutions. Projects that met or exceeded
• Product-Service Systems (PSS) and IoT-based smart expectations in all four categories represented the forefront

innovation; of sustainable industrial design and responsible production
• TQM (process-oriented innovation governance). practices.
A total of 21 unique data sources were analysed,
Cases were selected through purposive sampling based comprising seven academic papers, four technical white
on the following inclusion criteria as shown in Table 1: papers, six corporate sustainability reports, and four product
specification documents. These were triangulated across four
Table 1: Case selection criteria. representative cases.
Selection Criteria Description Data were collected from secondary but triangulated
Material Use of engineered sustainable materials sources including the following:
Innovation (including but not limited to wood-pellet-
based composites) • Academic journal publications and technical white papers;
Smart Integration of sensors, connectivity modules, • Corporate sustainability reports and patent disclosures;
Functionality or automation features
• Industry conference proceedings and publicly available
Quality Evidence of quality control, PDCA cycles, or
Governance TQM practices product documentation;
Sustainability Publicly documented environmental goals, • Official websites and media interviews with design/
Orientation certifications, or circularity strategies
engineering teams.
Based on these criteria, four representative organisations

or initiatives were selected for in-depth analysis: Each case’s documentation was systematically reviewed
1. Trex Company—Focus on WPCs from recycled wood/ and coded for the following: