The General Manager Julius Berger-AFP, Oliver Conhen, has described furniture sub-sector as the beacon of hope in the journey to the manufacturing industry.
Arc Conhen gave this assertion while speakingat the annual International Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) exhibition event in Abuja, pledging that “Berger-AFP promises to remain at the frontlines of that progressive journey” for the manufacturing of sustainable furniture.
A press statement issued by the media unit of the engineering construction leader, Tuesday, said the event harped on the need for sustainability and more creative beautification of the furniture manufacturing process, even as the challenges of the entire production chain were also highlighted.
According to Arc Conhen“…the production of sustainable furniture and their challenges involve considering various aspects of the production process, including materials used, and the overall lifecycle of the future. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are the three fundamental principles that guide sustainable practices and environmental conservation efforts.”
He added that theprinciples are crucial for promoting responsible consumption, minimising waste generation, and conserving resources, noting that by incorporating the principles into furniture and interior design, “we can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Harping on the principles and pillars of sustainability, Conhen identified social equity, economic viability, inter-generational equity and environmental stewardship as key.
On the production of sustainable furniture and their challenges, Conhen said it involves various aspects of the production process, materials used, and the overall lifecycle of the furniture, with a lot of key factors to consider.
Cohnen submitted that in sourcing sustainable materials for quality furniture production, one of the primary challenges is finding environmentally friendly and sustainable materials to produce furniture. This, he added, includes materials like responsibly sourced wood, recycled or up-cycled materials and non-toxic finishes or alternative materials like bamboo, cork, or recycled plastics.
The experienced furniture manufacturing expert further said that beauty in furniture goes beyond aesthetics and includes functionality. Well-designed furniture should serve its intended purpose effectively, providing comfort and usability.
Functional beauty, he stated, is achieved when a piece fulfils its function seamlessly while retaining its visual appeal. He also listed timelessness, sustainability and emotional connection as other considerations for a fulfilling furniture satisfaction.
Organiser of the annual design exhibition, Design Week Lagos (DWL), Ms. Titi Ogufere, described Julius Berger-Abuja Furniture Production (AFP) as Nigeria’s leading furniture production company with no equal, saying: “Julius Berger- AFP pavilion is a great stand with amazing new designs. Year after year, AFP’s product quality and strength keeps pushing the standards higher. AFP is a superb Nigerian brand, consistently setting a sustainable global benchmark, indeed, for the furniture industry.”
