Funded by the European Union and the State Revolving Fund in the context of the European Community MED Programme.

The theme of sustainable development is without doubt one of the primary objectives of European political strategies, and represents a debate of worldwide importance.

The European Project Planet Design focuses predominantly on environmental issues and the transformations which conservation and the reduction of natural resources will impose on the furniture and furnishings sector, both in relation to EC regulations and in everyday life and consumer habits.
The aims of the Project  are to offer European companies of the wood furniture sector, and especially those of the Mediterranean area, support in adapting to the new regulations dictated by environmental sustainability and in using them as an opportunity for growth and for anticipating the needs of the market. 
The use of environmentally-friendly materials and clean technologies and compliance with the new environmental regulations in the manufacture of eco-sustainable furniture will mean a reduced impact on the ‘planet system’.

The partnership is composed of - Provincia di Como (project leader), CLAC Cantù, - Domus Academy Research and Consulting, Milan, AIDIMA – Technological Research Centre, Valencia, UPV – Polytechnic University of Valencia AIDIMA, ANJE - Association of Young Entrepreneurs of Algarve, Faro; and it benefits from the support of the Regione Lombardia and  Triennale di Milano.

Following the international seminar held on 3 December, 2009 in Faro, Portugal, in which the results of the first stage of research on sustainable innovation in the wood furniture sector were divulged, we are now approaching the second important event for divulgation and promotion. 
During the International Furniture trade fair in Milan (14-19 April, 2010) the Project will disclose the results achieved to date in two important disclosure events dedicated to all those operating in the sector, whether designers, architects or manufacturers.

Planet Design will be present, in fact, both at the Milan Triennale Bovisa stand with a multimedia totem providing the public with a thorough overview on topics such as: 
- The state of the planet and the depletion of important natural resources in relation to constant technological evolution, 
- Environmental laws and certifications involving the wood furniture industry, 
- Economic trends and the market in the next 15 years

and at the Material Connexion Milan stand in pavilions 14/18 of the Milan Trade Fair, where companies may access  some of the contents processed in the first stage of research.

The disclosure event will also be an opportunity to host the delegation of the transnational partners from Spain and Portugal, representing the two furniture manufacturing regions apart from Brianza that are involved in the project.