A comparative study of remanufacturing practices in the Swedish furniture industry

Paper in proceeding, 2026

The Swedish furniture industry is dominated by low-volume,high-variety production, with only a few firms operating high-volume models.Although interest in remanufacturing is increasing, its implementation remainslimited. This study aims to strengthen circularity in the Swedish furnitureindustry, focusing on remanufacturing in SMEs with low production volumes andhigh product variety. Empirical studies with five manufacturers were conductedas part of a collaborative research project, and the data were analysed throughecosystem, circular strategy, and manufacturing strategy perspectives. Thecompanies exhibit similar product variety, production volumes, andmanufacturing strategies, but they adopt circular strategies differently, rangingfrom reuse and repair to remanufacturing. Multiple intermediaries in theecosystem reduce product traceability, and the absence of information exchangewith customers further constrains circular flows. The study identifies aprogression towards remanufacturing that begins with customer-specificremanufacturing, develops into hybrid production combining new andremanufactured products, and ultimately requires strategic decisions ondedicated systems or outsourcing as volumes increase.