Rethinking ownership: How Molteni&C and Deesup are bringing circularity to luxury furniture

Photo © Molteni Group

As the fashion world embraces resale and recommerce models to reduce waste and boost sustainability initiatives, the design industry is beginning its own journey down this path, and among those leading the charge is Italian design icon Molteni&C, in partnership with luxury resale platform Deesup. In a move that signals a shift toward a more circular economy in high-end furniture, Molteni&C has launched its official resale channel, powered entirely by Deesup. The platform, live since March, offers a curated selection of authentic Molteni&C pieces from past collections, including showroom items, photo shoot samples, and exhibition pieces, all in excellent condition and with a new life ahead of them.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy known as Resale-As-A-Service (RAAS), where brands integrate tailored resale solutions into their business model through partnerships with specialized platforms. For Molteni&C, this means maintaining control over brand identity and customer experience, while embracing sustainability across the entire product lifecycle, from production to redistribution.

The project goes beyond simply reintroducing old pieces into the market. It's about giving these carefully crafted items a new purpose and context, allowing them to be appreciated in homes where they may have never had the chance to exist before. Molteni&C sees this as a way to celebrate craftsmanship and uphold its long-standing dedication to quality, while also making high-end design more accessible and sustainable.

Photo © Molteni Group

By entering the resale space with a bespoke platform that reflects its aesthetic and values, Molteni&C is not only extending the life of its products but also reinforcing its commitment to responsible production, extended product stewardship, and environmental consciousness.

For Deesup, this partnership represents a strategic expansion of its RAAS model. The company provides a customizable resale infrastructure that allows brands to implement circular solutions aligned with their own image and goals. Deesup believes that producers are increasingly recognizing the value of integrating resale as a central part of their business,  not just as an afterthought or add-on, but as a proactive and premium approach to sustainability.

The resale movement in design isn’t just a trend, it's a response to measurable challenges. The production of a single furniture piece can have a significant carbon footprint: a plastic chair emits about 28 kg of CO2, a three-seat leather sofa up to 200 kg, and a two-door wardrobe can reach nearly 858 kg. By extending product lifespan and reducing overstock and waste, resale helps align brands with ESG policies and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles.

Deesup and Molteni&C are paving the way for a more accessible, more sustainable, and more mindful design culture. And as younger generations increasingly value both timeless design and environmental responsibility, this new approach might just become the new standard in luxury interiors.

Photos © Molteni Group

Sources & Credit:

• Information and photography have been kindly provided by MOLTENI GROUP

• All photos © Molteni Group