There’s Cash in that Trash

By Tovi Spero and C.J. Nord

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a critical business strategy. In the world of manufacturing, including the woodworking and furniture sectors, circular supply chains are becoming a vital tool for not only environmental responsibility but also for boosting profitability. But creating a circular economy isn’t something that can be accomplished by individual companies alone. The key to making this a reality is industry-wide collaboration, spearheaded by trade associations that can align stakeholders and drive change at scale.

One of the most successful examples of circularity in practice comes from the metals industry. Scrap metal is routed back into the production process, and everyone profits from this closed-loop system, driven by trade rather than taxes. In a similar vein, the woodworking and furniture industry is tapping into its own waste stream to create new opportunities for profit, sustainability, and growth. Profits, after all, fuel everything from jobs to investments in healthcare and technology. Without them, businesses would struggle to survive. The key to a thriving industry — and a sustainable future — is finding ways to turn waste into wealth.

For any industry to transition to circularity, it needs a unified voice. Trade associations hold immense power in influencing entire sectors. They are the connectors — the "trunk of the tree" — linking suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers in a cohesive ecosystem. Through their collective effort, entire industries can make strides toward sustainability while reaping financial rewards. A prime example of this is the Association of Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers (AWFS), which, in partnership with Supply Chains for Good, launched a groundbreaking program in July 2024 called “There’s Cash in that Trash.” This initiative is designed to implement profit-driven sustainability within the woodworking and furniture industries, helping manufacturers and their suppliers unlock new revenue streams while reducing waste.

Check out the rest of the story in the Q1 issue of Surface & Panel, now available online!