S USTAI NABLE SOCI ET Y
Möbelfakta’s new CEO wants to make it easier to choose sustainably
At the beginning of May, Johan Söderqvist took up the position of CEO of IVL’s new subsidiary – the labelling system Möbelfakta. In his new role, he wants to make Möbelfakta better known in the short term, while in the longer term he views labelling as an important tool in enabling the industry to compete on equal terms and enabling customers to choose more sustainable furniture. “These issues interest me, so I’m really looking forward to this assignment. I enjoy working closely with companies where we can achieve tangible business and sustainability benefits. I also liking working with something that everyone can relate to, namely furniture. In an effort to achieve a more sustainable society, I see Möbelfakta becoming a system that makes it possible for more companies to get better at making conscious choices, although this also creates the conditions for competition on equal terms.” How will it be evident that you are taking over the leadership role? “Möbelfakta will always evolve in line with the sector. The long-term goal is to increase companies’ potential to use the label on multiple markets and to make use of the opportunities offered by digitalisation to achieve more circular flows. My first
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task is to make Möbelfakta more visible, as well as to take advantage of the synergies that exist with IVL’s other subsidiaries that have related operations.” You have worked in various roles in the past, including as a technical consultant and sustainability manager within building materials companies. How do you think Möbelfakta will benefit from your experience in the construction industry? “There’s a lot that can be learned from the construction industry. It may be perceived as traditional, but due to the large number of suppliers it is very exposed to competition. This provides a strong incentive to develop products with a focus on function and sustainability. The construction industry is also at the forefront when it comes to imposing environmental and climate requirements, and many companies are gearing up for this
IVL SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
