Annual reports
2021 was marked by the difficulties brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, nevertheless, the industry saw an increase in demand in many segments over 2021. During these challenging times, EFIC members always stood closely together.
The European policy agenda is growing, with many initiatives aimed at making industries more circular and digitised. The furniture industry is well suited for a transition to a more circular economy, especially looking at one of main raw materials used in the industry, which is climate neutral: wood.
In this annual report you will find an non-exhaustive overview of EFIC advocacy activities over 2021.
2020 was a challenging year for the European furniture industries due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In these times of uncertainty, members saw the importance of EFIC to speak with one voice towards the European institutions and to provide a platform for regular exchanges on the situation at national level.
On a policy level, circular economy initiatives drove the EFIC agenda. EFIC was also involved in standardisation activities for motorized furniture, international trade, market access and intellectual property rights, social dialogue and efforts around removing toxic flame retardants from furniture manufacturing.
Moving forward and looking at 2021 and beyond, the priority will be addressing and solving the implications of the coronavirus pandemic. This will be an important basis for a thriving industry that can transition to a more circular economy and drive the digital and green transformation.
2019 was an active and productive year for EFIC. New members joined, the European elections were closely monitored and our Working Groups made great progress on Circular Economy, standardisation, market access cases and Social Dialogue initiatives. The Alliance of Flame Retardant Free Furniture, hosted by EFIC, was active, too, in advocating for the removal of toxic flame retardants from furniture and for a harmonisation of flammability standards across Europe.