Study Visit in the Netherlands – Circular Economy & Sustainable Furniture Production 

From 2–4 March 2026, SUSFUR project partners and experts gathered in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands, at Bouwhuis (ECREC Office) for a study visit organized within the Erasmus+ Programme. The programme focused on circular materials, sustainable production, vocational education, skills development, and community-based circular initiatives within the furniture and interior sector. The three-day agenda combined theoretical sessions, company visits, reflection discussions, and networking activities among project partners.

STUDY VISIT

– DAY 1 –

The first day began with arrival and registration at Bouwhuis Zoetermeer, followed by the official opening session where participants were welcomed and the objectives of the programme were introduced. After a short break, participants took part in a theoretical session focusing on circular materials, sustainable production models, and the role of circular economy principles in the furniture industry. These discussions highlighted how material efficiency, reuse, and responsible sourcing are becoming essential elements for the future of manufacturing. Following the lunch break, the group travelled to visit AnderHout. This company is a Dutch initiative dedicated to the high-value reuse of wood and wood-based residual materials originating from construction, demolition, and industrial processes. Instead of down cycling materials, AnderHout focuses on preserving the value of reclaimed wood by reintroducing it into new products such as furniture, interior elements, and semi-finished materials.

– DAY 2 –

The second day started with a morning session at Bouwhuis, where participants reflected on the learnings from the previous day and continued with a theoretical session focusing on education, skills development, and project coordination within the furniture sector. Participants then travelled to HMC (Hout- en Meubileringscollege), one of the leading vocational education institutions in the Netherlands specializing in wood, furniture production, and interior design. During the visit, participants explored how HMC integrates technical craftsmanship, sustainability, circular production methods, and innovative technologies into its educational programmes. The institution works closely with industry partners to ensure that students gain practical skills aligned with labor market needs.

– DAY 3 –

The final day began with a morning session and reflection on the previous day’s activities, followed by another theoretical discussion on circular economy models and community engagement. Participants then took part in a Structured Reflection & Country Mapping session, where project partners shared experiences from their respective countries and discussed how circular economy concepts and sustainable practices can be implemented within education systems and the furniture industry. After lunch, the group visited Buurman Rotterdam. Buurman is a community-driven organisation that promotes the reuse of materials through shared workshops, education, and making culture. The organisation collects reclaimed materials and makes them available to professionals, students, and citizens, encouraging hands-on learning, creativity, repair culture, and sustainable production.

The study visit provided an excellent opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration among project partners. By combining industry visits, educational best practices, and community-based circular initiatives, the programme highlighted practical pathways for advancing sustainable furniture production and circular economy practices across Europe.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.