Strong values
Anna Moldenhauer: Arper is currently focusing on "the project of living". To what extent is life a project for Arper?
Roberto Monti: For me, ”the project of living” is about the project of living itself. This strategic approach is based on reflections we developed in the team during the pandemic. During this time, I talked to many people about what Covid19 means for their lives. One conclusion is that the pandemic accelerated a number of processes. The movements were already there and with Covid19 they came to the surface. "the project of living", in this sense, is about the project of living, about the constant changes it brings through the stages. Life today is less static; we are more open to change and develop new needs. Likewise, the planet, our world and society are constantly changing. So we have to look at what possibilities we have to meet these changes. As a furniture manufacturer, we want to interpret them in a dynamic way.
It is therefore a question of remaining flexible. To what extent is Arper currently producing sustainably in terms of materials, transport routes, energy generation and recycling?
Roberto Monti: One of the main reasons why I wanted to work with Arper was the company's focus on sustainability. I have always promoted this topic in my various positions over the last 25 years or more, and during the first conversation with Claudio Feltrin,President of Arper, we quickly realised that our views on the major challenges in this field were the same. Arper has already taken numerous initiatives to move boundaries and create both more sustainable products and a more sustainable way of working. The company was early with this - nevertheless, this process is never finished, there is always room for improvement for a holistic strategy. Like in the area of sustainable logistics or materials research. We are currently working with a number of researchers to make better use of existing materials and raw materials as well as to explore potential new materials. In terms of transport, it is also an advantage that Arper has production facilities in the USA, which reduce delivery distances. We would like to tighten the network of locations in the future and bring production closer to points of sale. Our furniture can already be packed very flatly, which greatly reduces the need for warehousing and transport. We are also increasingly using renewable energy. Arper stands for strong values and striving for sustainability is a big part of that. For us, it's about quality of life and people's well-being, moving from a linear to a circular economy and reducing our impact on the environment.
Roberto Monti: To build a recognisable identity as a design company, you have to decide in which direction the creation should go. The values and style of the designers must fit with Arper. It doesn't matter to us whether they are established or emerging talents. We want to work with people who are connected to Arper's philosophy and identity. It is not only about creating design objects, but also about contributing to a better and more beautiful world. For this, we as a company have to offer enough space for a creative process. On top of that, we have a responsibility to work sustainably. We are always open to collaborations with different kinds of designers, but there needs to be a common starting point that allows us to grow together.
When we talk about combining industry and sustainability, one main question is about the primary point - the spectrum ranges from design that also takes logistics into account to materials that are biodegradable. In your opinion, where should the focus be?
Roberto Monti: In our case, we will have a focus in the future on being more forthcoming about the sustainable potential that Arper has already built up over the years. We want to communicate our great efforts for sustainability more openly to raise the general awareness for this. In this context, authenticity is very important.
You have been CEO of Arper since January 2022 and have a lot of experience in the furniture and retail industry. In which direction do you want to lead Arper?
Roberto Monti: As a company, I want us to be a leading example of responsible business. This includes both the way we design our offer and the distribution of it, both the people who make up the company and a common running direction. A holistic design company offers more than just products. You should have methods, processes and skills to gain insights that can result in both design objects and creative services. I think that the intersection of different creative disciplines is in Arper's genes, and we should expand these interdisciplinary networks even more. We are not only interested in promoting sales, it's about the big picture and the shared affinity for culture is an important component for the future.
Arper @ Stockholm Furniture Fair 2023
Pavilion C, booth 07:31
7. to February 10: 9 am to 6 pm
11. February: 10 am to 5 pm
