The following reports document the findings in the R-evolve project: 

• Scenario process based on cross-impact analysis, resulting in a forward-looking scenario narrative that guides the strategic orientation of the project.
• Interdisciplinary analysis based on a use-case assessment of data needs for future Circular Economy practices, and a delta analysis comparing future information requirements with current data management practices in the furniture sector (forthcoming in summer 2026)

Each year, more than 10 million tonnes of furniture waste are generated in the European Union, of which only around 3% are recycled. Against this background, furniture is among the product groups identified by the European Commission as a priority for specific implementing measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aiming to make the sector more resource-efficient, less polluting, and more climate-friendly.

In this context, the EU Horizon project R-evolve aims to systematically support and accelerate the transition of the furniture sector towards a circular economy and the implementation of Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) requirements. The project focuses on sustainability-oriented product-system innovations, encompassing circular economy-oriented business models, product design and material strategies, as well as the use of the Digital Product Passport (DPP).
By doing so, R-evolve aims to extend the longevity of furniture, increase the uptake of safe secondary and biobased materials, facilitate industrial symbiosis, and enhance recycling, maintenance, repair, reuse, refurbishment, and remanufacturing across the sector.

Nine pilot projects test and validate the developed solutions in real-world settings, involving companies, research organisations, industry associations, and regional clusters. The project combines circular product design with data-driven approaches, using the Digital Product Passport as a key enabler for transparency, traceability, and the development of new circular business models.

The team from sofia and itp:ne at Hochschule Darmstadt contributes to the project by developing governance approaches and policy recommendations. In collaboration with industry partners, the team conducted a scenario process based on cross-impact analysis, resulting in a forward-looking scenario narrative that guides the strategic orientation of the project. A central focus lies on the design and testing of a governance framework to enable reliable, comprehensive, and trustworthy data exchange in the context of the Digital Product Passport. This includes close cooperation with companies that are early adopters of DPP-related solutions and circular business models.
In addition, the Darmstadt team leads the development of policy recommendations for European and national policymakers as well as industry associations.