Current situation and key manufacturing considerations of green furniture in China: A review

Abstract

Green manufacturing is an advanced manufacturing approach, which comprehensively considers environmental impact and resource efficiency and is considered as the future direction of modern manufacturing industry. However, the current situation, technologies, and development strategies of China’s green furniture manufacturing have not been comprehensively analyzed and a complete furniture industry green manufacturing technology system is lacking. Here, to fill such knowledge gap, through an extensive review of literatures on manufacturing process and implications of green furniture, which consists of data identification, initial screening, eligibility determination, and final inclusion, this study (1) analyzed the current situation and existing challenges of green furniture manufacturing in China, (2) proposed and discussed a systemic green manufacturing concept for China’s furniture based on the current situation, and (3) suggested strategies corresponding to the challenges. The results show that although China has determined that the implementation of green manufacturing is the only sensible way for the development of its furniture industry, many aspects of it, such as public awareness, manufacturing technology, and legal regulations are lacking. The proposed comprehensive green manufacturing concept regarding green manufacturing includes green design, green materials selection, green processes, green packaging, green recycling, etc. The proposed strategies include developing a green manufacturing strategy for furniture enterprises, strengthening the development of green furniture products, improving the production mode of green furniture, and promoting the coordinated development of green production in furniture industry. This study will play a guiding role in promoting the implementation of green manufacturing and achieving a sustainable development of the Chinese furniture industry. Additionally, it also provides a reference for the world furniture enterprises.