Technological characteristics and sustainability assessment of short forestry-wood chain for alpine hardwood furniture

Timber and furniture industry is a very important economic sector in Italy, it imports a large amount of timber despite the country is covered by extensive forests. Further, the alpine region presents an increase of the forests in lands once used by agricultural activities. Consequently the improved availability of hardwood from spontaneous regenerating process could provide industrial roundwood. An interdisciplinary project was undertaken to study the potential of these forests with regard to the sustainability of the short forestry-wood chain for the furnishing production together local designers and industries. Furnishing requirements of ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) wood were evaluated, focusing to physical and aesthetical behaviour after ageing. Technological tests like bonding, were performed. In order to evaluate the sustainability of the whole supply chain, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of pieces of furniture (school desk and chair) made with certified wood was performed. The aim was to quantify the benefits coming from eco-design solutions and short supply chain provision of the wood and to identify further improvement possibilities. The short supply chain ensures a more sustainable use of hardwood compared to long distance imports or other uses of local wood (e.g. burning). Moreover, the eco-design of furniture for schools can be a good way to find a market for the wood products through Green Public Procurement (GPP). The good technological characteristics and the environmental profile of the furniture supply chain indicate that these hardwoods can be improved by a short forestry-wood chain.