Working together on circular wood production

The Living Lab Circular Wood Cluster Grensland brought together companies, knowledge institutions, and public authorities around one central question: how can we use wood and wood residual streams for as long as possible and at the highest possible value?

By designing and producing in a circular way, the COâ‚‚ stored in wood remains locked in for longer, and raw materials are used more efficiently. Within the Living Lab, these principles were not only explored theoretically, but also tested in real production environments and through collaborations between companies.

The role of G-Desmet within the Living Lab

As a partner in the Living Lab, G-Desmet contributed its expertise in product development, material knowledge and manufacturability. From our practical experience, we explored how circular principles can be translated into realistic, scalable solutions within industrial contexts.

The focus included:

  • circular design aimed at reuse and lifetime extension

  • smart applications for wood residual streams

  • material choices that enable reprocessing

  • collaboration across the value chain, from design to production

These insights closely align with our daily activities, where we support designers and brands in developing technically sound and sustainable products.

Inspiration from the sector: Royal Ahrend

Throughout the programme, external insights were also shared. Lizzy Stuyfzand (Royal Ahrend), for example, delivered an inspiring presentation on circular thinking within the furniture industry. She explained how furniture is evolving from end products into flexible systems and services, a vision that strongly resonates with the broader circular economy.

Such examples demonstrate how circular product development can offer not only ecological benefits, but also strategic value for companies.

Why circular product development remains relevant

Today, the wood and furniture industry faces complex challenges: raw material scarcity, stricter regulations, and a growing demand for sustainable production. Initiatives like the Living Lab Circular Wood Cluster Grensland show that circular materials and collaboration across the value chain are essential to turning these challenges into opportunities.

For G-Desmet, participation in the Living Lab resulted in:

  • a deeper understanding of circular expertise

  • new insights into material use and reuse

  • strengthened collaboration with partners within the sector

Want to learn more?

The insights, experiments, and learnings from the Living Lab have been compiled into a clear and accessible brochure.

👉 Discover the brochure on the Living Lab Circular Wood Cluster Grensland
https://www.wood.be/assets/uploads/downloads/POM-West-vlaanderen-brochure-Living-Lab-Houtcluster-Grensland-issuu.pdf

At G-Desmet, we continue to invest in sustainable product development and circular solutions that are both technically feasible and future-oriented.

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