Federlegno, 80 years of future: “Sustainability is built”. Claudio Feltrin and the event in Venice for the milestone: difficulties are overcome by staying united

Milan, May 21, 2025 – Claudio Feltrin, president of FederlegnoArredo, you have chosen Venice and the island of San Servolo to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the federation, from tomorrow to Saturday, why?

"It's the year of the Architecture Biennale, to which we are obviously linked, and Venice is a city that is a symbol of commerce, of openness. The island of San Servolo, which overlooks Piazza San Marco, has a history of recovery and sustainability that is perfect for this celebration."

What will happen these days?

"The island will be transformed into an open laboratory. It will be an opportunity for associated companies, designers, researchers, young people and citizens to meet - we are not a virtual supply chain but one that does, produces - to talk about sustainability, design culture and the new global challenges that await the sector. In short, about the other 100 years that await us...".

A great responsibility, designing durable goods, building the “furniture” of the future, in such a complicated moment, between duties, wars and climate transition. Perhaps in 1945, when a group of 21 enlightened entrepreneurs decided in a Roman notary's office to give life to Federlegno, there were fewer variables...

"Then as now the challenge remains great. In 1945, at the end of the war, everything had to be rebuilt, the Italians had nothing. But they did it, the secret is to stay united, only in this way can we overcome the difficulties given by the historical moment in which we live".

It refers to duties...

“We are living in a phase of suspension, if they were definitive we would have taken countermeasures, but like this? We have the orders blocked”.

Tomorrow will be dedicated to sustainability with the start of Green Design Days, the FederlegnoArredo project to tell the story of the commitment and efforts of the wood-furniture supply chain in its environmental, energy, social and economic dimensions.

“An important thrust to understand how to combine the concept of environmental sustainability with production processes in any territory. In order not to cause damage to the environment. We have all matured in this sector, now there is the awareness that it is not enough just to produce but it is important how you produce. There will be companies that will show how they put this concept of sustainability into practice in their factories.

Ecodesign means designing products with less impact on the environment from the beginning. We are not in a bad position. There are companies that are a little more advanced than others, but we have made giant steps. It is no longer a radical chic theme. We also have, thanks to Symbola, a precise picture of our sector. In any case, all our members have understood the need to make this leap. A decalogue was born in which the principles and the main steps to address this issue are illustrated; as a federation we have provided the basis for the construction of this new thought”.

The younger generations are very sensitive to the issue, they are the future consumers, who are looking for products that are no longer disposable...

“We are also pushing hard on internal training, because when young people enter companies they have to help them modernise. Good design also includes repairing the object. A concept that we are trying to systematise more and more. We have set up the Consorzio nazionale sistema arredo (National Consortium for the Furniture System) which deals with the end of life of furniture products”.

Special projects promoted by the Federation for the occasion?

“The issuing of a stamp dedicated to FederlegnoArredo will take place on September 17 in Rome and will also be the occasion for an exhibition at Palazzo Piacentini, the headquarters of the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy”.