Leon Hobro

Leon Hobro is a researcher at Linnaeus University's Department of Forestry and Wood Technology within the Faculty of Technology. His work focuses on sustainable practices in the wood and furniture industry through circular economy approaches.

His research interests center on increasing circularity through remanufacturing and reuse of furniture products. Hobro specifically examines public sector operations where furniture replacement creates opportunities for sustainable interventions. His work aims to extend product lifespans, reduce environmental impact, and decrease demand for raw materials in the industry.

Through his research, Hobro analyzes and develops innovative solutions in close collaboration with industry stakeholders to promote circular strategies. His work addresses critical challenges in resource utilization within the wood processing sector.

His research is organized through two main groups:

• Forest Economics - encompassing all aspects of the forest value chain with focus on sustainable forestry and transition to a bio-based circular economy
• Forest Products - conducting research on forest-derived raw materials and side streams to promote renewable material utilization

Hobro is actively engaged in three major research initiatives:

• Circular economy and remanufacturing flows in the wood and furniture industry
• RE:Furn project on efficient remanufacturing of furniture in public environments
• CirkuWood project developing strategies for increased circularity in the wood processing industry

His research addresses the growing concern of raw material shortages in Sweden's wood industry while exploring solutions to reduce waste from discarded furniture that is often replaced due to higher repair costs than new purchases.