Observatories on materials and technologies

Identification of trends in materials preferences and new technologies adoption across industries through sector analysis, technical and market analysis.

RECENT EXAMPLES OF CUSTOM RESEARCH CONDUCTED FOR CSIL CLIENTS

ANALYSIS OF SOLUTIONS ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF FURNITURE SURFACES

Geographical scope: Europe
Client: Supplier to the furniture sector
Year: 2022

The client asked CSIL to evaluate the present status and prospective demand for enhanced functional properties of furniture surfaces such as anti-scratch resistance, anti-fingerprint resistance, UV resistance. The methodology adopted consisted of field analysis. CSIL interviewed a representative sample of around 100 European furniture manufacturers by means of a semi-structured questionnaire aimed at evaluating the solutions adopted (Melamine Face Chipboard, Laminates, Lacquering, Wrapped Paper, etc.) and the associated degree of satisfaction in terms of properties for each type of finish. The study also evaluated the willingness to pay for innovative solutions enhancing surfaces properties.

ANALYSIS OF PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS IN THE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE INDUSTRY

Geographical scope: Europe
Client: Furniture components producer
Year: 2021

The client asked CSIL to investigate the main drivers of product development and the main steps of the R&D process in the European upholstered furniture sector. The methodology adopted consisted of case study analysis. CSIL selected a dozen companies and investigated their approaches to innovation, the management of the innovation process (outsourcing/internal), the objectives and measurements of innovation contents of products, and the potential limits and obstacles to innovation.  A qualitative analysis completed the study and identified the main directions of innovation in the upholstered furniture sector: modularity, sustainability, and smart/intelligent products.

ANALYSIS OF COLOURED SOLUTIONS FOR POLYURETHANE FOAM IN THE MATTRESS INDUSTRY

Geographical scope: Europe
Client: Supplier to the furniture sector
Year: 2021

The client asked CSIL to investigate the present status and the perspectives of the demand for colored PU foam in the mattress industry. The methodology adopted consisted of field analysis. CSIL interviewed a representative sample of around 100 European mattress manufacturers by means of a semi-structured questionnaire aimed at evaluating the perceived advantages and disadvantages in the adoption of colored PU foam if compared to standard PU foam.  The study also evaluated the willingness to pay for innovative solutions.

PERIODIC OBSERVATORY ON THE USAGE OF FILLING MATERIALS BY THE SOFT FURNITURE SECTOR

Geographical scope: Worldwide
Client: Supplier to the furniture sector
Year: since 2019 – ongoing

CSIL implemented a forecasting observatory on the usage of filling materials by the mattress and upholstered furniture industries to evaluate the medium-term (3-years) global demand for PU (polyurethane) foam, polyester, latex, spring, wool, and natural fibers.

The methodology consists of a wide mapping of the supply chain and a focused investigation of the prevailing factors affecting the demand from the end-user industries: materials preferences, technical advantages associated with each material, pricing, and other drivers (e.g. sustainability). Research tools include an extensive survey and field interviews to a sample of over 200 sector companies.

IMPACT ANALYSIS OF DEMAND FOR CUSTOMIZATION ON PRODUCTION PROCESSES

Geographical scope: World
Client: Technology supplier
Year: 2018-2019

The client asked CSIL to identify barriers in the industrial production process arising from market fragmentation and the increase in demand for customized products. Main automation and digital solutions adopted by companies were reviewed in-depth (e.g.  virtual prototyping software, laser automated cutting of leather solutions, machinery integration, 4.0 solutions, etc.) The methodology was based on:

  • an extensive online survey with a structured questionnaire to 200 global manufacturers describing the importance attributed to customization and the extent to which it is implemented, including the technological barriers encountered
  • analysis of case studies focused on understanding, first on a company level and then in general, how the management of personalization/customization is conducted and the factors that potentially favor investment in technology

PERIODIC OBSERVATORY ON THE USAGE OF COVERING MATERIALS BY THE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE SECTOR

Geographical scope: Worldwide
Client: Supplier to the furniture sector
Year: since 2018- ongoing

CSIL implemented a forecasting observatory on the usage of covering materials by the upholstered furniture industry, with a focus on leather, to evaluate the medium-term (3-years) global demand for leather.

The methodology consists of a wide mapping of the supply chain and a focused investigation of the prevailing factors affecting the demand for leather in the upholstered furniture industry: materials preferences, technical/aesthetic advantages associated with leather, and pricing. Research tools include an extensive survey and field interviews to a sample of around 100 sector companies.