Clinton Barth : experience designer

Problem

Although panel systems contribute almost one third of the 300M tons of office furniture waste a year, manufacturers sustainability efforts to date have focused almost exclusively on materials and processes.

Solution

Taking cues from leading sustainable manufacturers—most obviously Interface—a panel platform was developed with a focus on modularity. The modular consist allows for several buyer benefits including flexibility, personalization, portability and low cost of entry and maintenance. Manufacturers are served by the efficiency benefits of a single manufacturing platform.Sustainability concerns are addressed through a take-back program that would encourage purchasers to return old or damaged panels for recycling or refurbrishing.

An additional step towards sustainability could be taken by instituting a service for delivering the panels. The “servicizing” approach would allow purchasers to buy set-up, maintenance and removal services rather than the product itself, allowing the manufacturing to minimize both waste and manufacturing needs, but still provding them with revenue.

Download the full report: [PDF, 452 KB]