“Sakuona’s” innovation breakthrough: Furniture made from coffee grounds, denim and hemp fibre

One of Europe’s largest curved plywood manufacturers, “Sakuona”, has successfully tested production using alternative raw materials that could partially replace traditional wood in furniture manufacturing. According to the company’s CEO, Rolandas Bulcis, the first phase of testing involved three alternative materials: coffee grounds, denim and hemp fibre.

“During the experiment, we successfully produced a three-legged stool from coffee grounds, a magazine table from hemp fibre and a bed frame with layers of denim. Our strategic partners were very positive about these trials conducted in Lithuania,” says R. Bulcis.

Although this innovation is significant at the national level and opens up new opportunities for furniture manufacturers, foreign markets are also making progress in this area, he notes.

“At present, furniture made from alternative raw materials is 20-30% more expensive than traditional furniture. However, we expect that as production volumes increase, prices will become more competitive,” adds Bulcis.

Despite the higher costs, “Sakuona”, a company owned by VMG Wood Invest, is committed to strategic investments in the field. By 2026, it aims to use alternative materials in 5% of its production, rising to 15% by 2027.

As part of its commitment to circular economy solutions, “Sakuona” is also focused on maximising production efficiency and minimising waste. Currently, the factory produces virtually no waste.

“We recycle and reuse everything. Wood waste is converted into thermal energy in our boiler house, and any surplus is sent to the VMG Group’s wood panel factory in Akmenė,” explains Bulcis.

The factory, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, now employs nearly 600 people and its products are exported to 52 countries worldwide.