Design meets sustainability: rethinking the circular economy
Davide Mastrodomenico is Managing Director of Girsberger AG, a renowned Swiss furniture manufacturer. In an interview with the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality, he talks about sustainable business models, the role of design in the circular economy and why Swiss Quality Day is a place for real inspiration.
Mr. Mastrodomenico, what does quality mean to you in the context of the furniture industry?
Davide Mastrodomenico: Furniture should be aesthetically pleasing, functional and durable. It has to withstand everyday use for years - without losing any of its character or comfort.
On Swiss Quality Day, you will be talking about the implementation of a resource-saving vision. What is behind it?
Our vision is reflected in the area of remanufacturing: we extend the service life of furniture by refurbishing it - regardless of brand. This is unique. In our supreme discipline of "upcycling", we create customized solutions from existing recyclable materials. Together with architects and designers, we develop high-quality furniture without compromising on appearance or quality. The solutions must be economically viable for both customers and us - because sustainability can only be successful in the long term if it pays off.
Girsberger was awarded the German Sustainability Award 2023 for this commitment. How did this come about?
The idea arose from the desire to reduce our ecological footprint. Originally, we only offered repairs for our own products. Growing demand led us to expand our range of services independently of manufacturers. Getting there was challenging - both technically and in terms of communication. It took a lot of convincing, because the idea of refurbishing furniture instead of replacing it was anything but self-evident. Today, we feel that thinking is changing.
The motto of TSQ 2025 is "Taking off with vision". How do you interpret this theme in relation to your work at Girsberger?
For me, this means not acting in the short term, but developing long-term, sustainable solutions. The circular economy is central to this. Our aim is to reuse materials instead of disposing of them. This requires not only technical expertise, but also the courage to break new ground. Our manufactories with their high level of craftsmanship are a decisive factor in our success.
How do you convince customers to use remanufacturing instead of buying new?
We show that refurbished furniture can be just as high-quality and individual as new products. We create trust through workshops, transparent communication and ecologically and economically attractive offers. Much of the furniture we refurbish has a substance that is often superior to today's standards.
How do you ensure the quality of the refurbished furniture?
Through strict controls and specialists who know their trade. We only use high-quality materials and guarantee the same quality as new products - including a full guarantee.
Do you have an example of a successful project?
One highlight is the "ReCollection ZH" upcycling project for the Canton of Zurich. Together with the Department of Construction and the University of Zurich, we developed a collection of office furniture that had been put into storage. Instead of being disposed of, this was used to create soft seating furniture for common areas - resource-saving and cost-effective. The ReCollection ZH was included in the cantonal procurement catalog and sends a strong signal for sustainable building.
What trends do you expect to see in the furniture industry?
Remanufacturing and upcycling will continue to gain in importance - as will leasing and sharing concepts and, as a result, second-hand offers. Digital technologies will help to improve processes and promote the implementation of circular concepts.
What synergies do you see between the furniture sector and other industries?
The furniture industry benefits from synergies with architecture, materials science and technology. Sustainable overall concepts are created with architecture in particular - through the joint use of resources and know-how. Cooperation with network partners in specialist areas also creates helpful synergies.
Why should you not miss the TSQ 2025?
Because the event offers a platform for exchange, inspiration and concrete learning. Participants benefit from insights into other industries and implemented concepts. This in turn provides valuable inspiration for their own solutions.
Thank you, Davide Mastrodomenico, for the inspiring insights. Your commitment shows how quality and sustainability go hand in hand and how quality can be rethought.
About the person
Davide Mastrodomenico joined Girsberger in 2002 and discovered his passion for high-quality furniture. He successfully managed the Customized Furniture and Remanufacturing divisions, which he played a key role in shaping and expanding. Since mid-2023, he has been Managing Director of Girsberger AG with responsibility for the Swiss and French markets.
Swiss Quality Day 2025
The Swiss Quality Day was launched in 2008 by the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality. The aim of the event is to promote a cross-industry exchange on the topic of quality as one of the cornerstones of the Swiss economy. The annual congress is organized by the SAQ Swiss Association for Quality in collaboration with Shift Switzerland. The next Swiss Quality Day will take place on May 13 in Bern.
