Innovation

ROFA’s core innovation is its holistic circular approach to interior design, combining modularity, sustainable materials, and energy neutral operations. The company develops and manufactures modular room-in-room systems and furniture that function like building blocks. These systems can be reconfigured, expanded, or repurposed without requiring new components, reducing the need for raw materials and minimizing waste. This flexibility supports organizations that require adaptable office layouts while maintaining a reduced environmental footprint.

The company also integrates circular principles into every stage of production. Products are built with high quality, long-lasting materials, and customers can return used items through a deposit-based reuse program. Returned products are reupholstered and reintroduced into new projects, ensuring that furniture enters a second or even third lifecycle rather than being recycled or discarded. This approach reinforces SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and supports a transition toward a circular economy.

Additionally, ROFA operates from an energy-neutral building equipped with heat pumps, solar panels, and sustainable construction methods. The company employs CO₂ passports to track the carbon footprint of each product, supported by external research from NIEBE. These measures allow ROFA to create low emission products while offering transparent environmental data to clients. Overall, their innovation represents a comprehensive model for sustainable interior design that blends environmental responsibility with practical, long-term usability.

Inspiration

During the interview, the leader expressed that the company’s sustainability efforts were not driven by formal SDG knowledge but by a deep, practical understanding of responsible production. Although he did not recognize the term “SDGs,” he emphasized the importance of long-lasting products and reducing environmental impact. As he described, “We want products that can last longer, be reused, and offer real value without producing unnecessary waste.”

He also highlighted the importance of flexibility for clients: “Organizations change quickly. We want our systems to support those changes without forcing customers to buy something entirely new.” This motivation reflects a commitment to both environmental sustainability and customer-centered design.

The company’s energy neutral building was also inspired by a desire for operational responsibility. According to the interviewee, “If we design sustainable products, our own operations have to align with that mindset.” This mindset encouraged investments in solar energy, heat pumps, and low-emission materials.

In addition, the leader expressed ambition for continuous improvement. While not speaking in SDG terminology, he said, “We want more of our collection to be fully circular, and we want to expand this vision into countries like Germany and England.” This demonstrates that the inspiration for ROFA’s innovation stems from a practical, forward looking philosophy: creating sustainable solutions that evolve alongside customer needs and environmental expectations.

Overall impact

ROFA’s innovation has both short-term and long-term impacts on their customers and the environment. In the short term, clients benefit from flexible and modular interior systems that can be rearranged without purchasing new materials. This reduces cost and waste while creating adaptable workspaces that meet evolving organizational needs. The company’s energy-neutral operations and low-emission production processes immediately contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.

In the long term, ROFA’s reuse program significantly decreases material waste by extending the lifespan of existing products. Chairs, room systems, and soft seating pieces can be returned, reupholstered, and integrated into new projects. This approach ensures that products avoid landfill disposal and instead remain in circulation. The CO₂ passport system also provides measurable evidence of reduced environmental impact, as clients can track emissions associated with their purchases.

Moreover, by investing in high-quality and sustainable materials, ROFA promotes durable design principles that influence the wider furniture and interior industry. Their approach encourages organizations to rethink consumption patterns and embrace circular solutions. Over time, these practices contribute to greater awareness, lower CO₂ emissions, and a more sustainable model for professional interior environments.

Business benefit

ROFA’s innovations directly strengthen the company’s competitive position. By offering modular systems that last longer and can be reused, the business reduces production waste and increases profit margins through efficient use of materials. Clients appreciate the flexibility and durability of the products, which enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens long-term relationships.

The company’s energy neutral operations also support long-term cost reduction. Lower energy usage translates into lower operational expenses, while the sustainable building enhances ROFA’s brand reputation. Many organizations now prioritize sustainability metrics for procurement decisions, and ROFA’s transparent CO₂ passports offer a measurable advantage. As the interviewee explained, companies increasingly want to demonstrate sustainability in annual reports, and ROFA provides the solutions that enable them to do that.

Furthermore, the circular product model opens new market opportunities in countries like Germany and England. By positioning itself as a leader in sustainable interior solutions, ROFA is able to access clients searching for environmentally responsible partners. Because the business invested in circular design principles and modular systems, these benefits—new customers, better retention, stronger reputation, and entry into international markets have already started to materialize.

Social and environmental benefit

ROFA’s sustainability focus produces clear environmental benefits. The reuse program reduces waste generation, while modular design minimizes the need for new raw materials. Energy-neutral operations contribute to SDG 7 (Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), as the company relies on solar power and heat pumps to reduce overall emissions. Sustainable materials and low-impact production methods further lower ecological footprints.

Socially, ROFA’s flexible room systems create more comfortable and adaptable workspaces, allowing employees to work in environments that meet changing needs. Adjustable interiors improve acoustic quality, privacy, and workflow, contributing to employee well-being. Even though social aspects were not highlighted directly in the interview, the company’s products support healthier and more functional workplaces.

Additionally, by modeling responsible business practices, ROFA encourages partner organizations to make more sustainable choices. Their transparent CO₂ passport system helps clients understand and reduce environmental impact in their own operations. This knowledge-sharing contributes to a broader cultural shift toward sustainability, influencing industries and communities beyond ROFA’s immediate customer base.

Interview

Erik van den Aker, -