Circularity in commercial furniture is increasingly being judged not by intentions, but by outcomes. This panel examines where circular strategies are working in the marketplace—and where they fall short—by comparing high-quality, durable products with lower-cost, disposable offerings. Industry leaders will discuss the logistical realities of sustainable design from designing products with a “vintage-ready” second life to navigating the complexities of reuse logistics. They will provide real-world examples and actionable strategies for designing and managing furniture products to maximize value while minimizing waste. Whether you are a designer looking for practical solutions, an owner seeking to maximize your asset investment, or a manufacturer caught in the middle, this discussion will illuminate the path forward.
Join BIFMA for this panel discussion examining where circular strategies are working in the marketplace—and where they fall short. The conversation will bring together perspectives from across the commercial furniture lifecycle to explore the realities of sustainable design, including:
- Designing products with a “vintage-ready” second life.
- Understanding product life cycle environmental impacts.
- Navigating the complexities of reuse logistics.
- Balancing durability, cost and long-term value.
- Managing furniture to maximize value while minimizing waste.
Meet the panel:
- Steve Kooy, BIFMA, Director Safety & Sustainability — Moderator
- Lisa Adams, HKS — Principal
- Joshua Belczyk, Keilhauer — Sustainability Officer
- Kristi Zook, State Farm Insurance — Senior Interior Designer
This NON-CEU session is designed for owners, A&D professionals, manufacturers, and service providers who want grounded, operational insights on making circularity work in the real world.
Whether you’re a designer looking for practical solutions, an owner seeking to maximize your asset investment, or a manufacturer navigating the challenges of circularity, this discussion will offer real-world perspectives and actionable strategies.
