Resources and Waste - Options for a Furniture Product Policy Framework

Aims of research

Furniture was one of the five new priority waste streams identified in the Government's 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy for England (referred to there as 'bulky waste') for consideration of measures such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and product standards by the end of 2025. Recent WRAP/University of Leeds research which used Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) analysis, identified Extended Producer Responsibility for Furniture as being potentially able to achieve a reduction in Raw Material Consumption (RMC) of 95 million tonnes 2021-2050, as well as a reduction in territorial and consumption emissions (relating to production) of 4MtCO2e and 44MtCO2e respectively over the same period.

This modelling is based on the assumption that EPR could achieve a 40.5% reduction in demand for new furniture by 2050 as EPR achieves a 90% re-use/re-use with repair rate for all furniture entering the waste stream where re-use/re-use with repair is possible. The research should take stock of, critically challenge, and expand upon this work.

The aim of this research is to further develop the evidence base to underpin the development of a product policy framework for bulky furniture and furnishings, including mattresses, bedding, carpets and underlay (referred to collectively from this point on as 'furniture').