ABSTRACT
Recent studies focusing on sustainable design have presented alternatives in what concerns sustainable strategic design applied on local contexts. In Brazil, the wooden furnishings industry is comprised of approximately 16,000 companies of various sizes. However it is estimated that most furniture companies (84%), consist of MSEs – Micro and Small Enterprises which are cabinetmakers performing customized work. Micro businesses companies are those with up to 19 employees, whereas small businesses have 20–99 employees (SEBRAE 2013). Currently, these companies use MDF – Medium-Density Fiberboard as their main raw material. Brazil is the world’s seventh largest producer of reconstituted wood panels in the world. This paper presents partial results of a research project, from the diagnosis phase performed in joineries, small furniture companies in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The production process of these joineries is not sustainable and results in a large volume of discarded waste on the outskirts of the city. The progress of these furniture MSEs depends fundamentally on minimising the generated waste of materials. This can only be achieved by a sustainable strategic approach, with the implementation of new practices and cultural/mentality changes.
