Table of Contents
By Tovi Spero and C.J. Nord
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a critical business strategy. In the world of manufacturing, including the woodworking and furniture sectors, circular supply chains are becoming a vital tool for not only environmental responsibility but also for boosting profitability. But creating a circular economy isn’t something that can be accomplished by individual companies alone. The key to making this a reality is industry-wide collaboration, spearheaded by trade associations that can align stakeholders and drive change at scale.

One of the most successful examples of circularity in practice comes from the metals industry. Scrap metal is routed back into the production process, and everyone profits from this closed-loop system, driven by trade rather than taxes. In a similar vein, the woodworking and furniture industry is tapping into its own waste stream to create new opportunities for profit, sustainability, and growth. Profits, after all, fuel everything from jobs to investments in healthcare and technology. Without them, businesses would struggle to survive. The key to a thriving industry — and a sustainable future — is finding ways to turn waste into wealth.
For any industry to transition to circularity, it needs a unified voice. Trade associations hold immense power in influencing entire sectors. They are the connectors — the "trunk of the tree" — linking suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers in a cohesive ecosystem. Through their collective effort, entire industries can make strides toward sustainability while reaping financial rewards. A prime example of this is the Association of Woodworking and Furniture Suppliers (AWFS), which, in partnership with Supply Chains for Good, launched a groundbreaking program in July 2024 called “There’s Cash in that Trash.” This initiative is designed to implement profit-driven sustainability within the woodworking and furniture industries, helping manufacturers and their suppliers unlock new revenue streams while reducing waste.
Check out the rest of the story in the Q1 issue of Surface & Panel, now available online!


(L-R) C.J. Nord, C.P.M., is the founder of CSCP Founder, Supply Chains for Good. She has more than 25 years of distinguished leadership in the manufacturing sector, and is recognized for her supply chain acumen, visionary thinking, and steadfast commitment to ethical standards. Widely acknowledged for her expertise, Nord has been featured in esteemed publications including the Los Angeles Times Business section and The Wall Street Journal. Yet, despite her numerous accomplishments, her dog remains unimpressed. cjnordcpm@gmail.com Tovi Spero came from an education background before coming to the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers (AWFS). With more than 12 years of experience teaching physics, engineering, robotics, and in makerspaces he brings a modern take on wood industry education. His goal as Education Director of AWFS is to expose students and teachers to modern wood manufacturing and connect education and industry to better support the next generation of wood industry professional. tovi@awfs.org