Analysis of the Properties of Upcycled Wood Waste for Sustainable Furniture Production

Małgorzata Grotowska (), Sylwia Olenska, Joanna Gruszczynska and Piotr Beer ()
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Małgorzata Grotowska: Institute of Wood Sciences and Furniture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Sylwia Olenska: Institute of Wood Sciences and Furniture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
Joanna Gruszczynska: Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers, Obywatelska 26/2a Str., 02-409 Warsaw, Poland
Piotr Beer: Institute of Wood Sciences and Furniture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences—SGGW, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 14, 1-16

Abstract: Although linear overproduction and overconsumption have benefited businesses, they have created an unsustainable society. Converting wood waste into construction material can support the transition to a circular economy. The mechanical properties of beams constructed from wood waste were measured. Squares with 50, 60, and 70 mm side lengths were glued to create beams, to which the three-point test method was applied parallel to the fibres. The stiffness and moduli of elasticity and rupture were analysed with standard industrial statistical techniques. Specifically, a two-stage analysis was performed using the normal distribution and Shewhart control charts. Changes of 100 mm in width and height and 200 mm in length caused a change of 200–400 N/mm 2 in elasticity and 500–1300 MNmm 2 in stiffness. Modulus of rupture values were relatively comparable, as they were determined by the properties of oak wood, from which the beams were made. The observed differences in the tested mechanical parameters will be useful in the optimisation of furniture construction, with our research suggesting that it is possible to predict mechanical properties from the dimensions of the waste-wood pieces. Ultimately, this should help to design sustainable furniture that is aesthetic, functional, and safe.

Keywords: upcycling; wood waste materials; eco-design; sustainable production; Shewhart control chart (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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