The office furniture industry is undergoing a sustainable revolution with the arrival of Dutch company NORNORM, which has been based in Paris since 2024.
Ready to reduce your carbon footprint and cut costs? Start by renting your office tables and chairs. As businesses worldwide rethink the future of work, sustainability and flexibility are becoming top priorities, especially in office design. That’s where companies like NORNORM are making a difference with a new, sustainable approach to furniture management for business and professionals.

As businesses around the world rethink the future of work, sustainability and flexibility are becoming top priorities, especially in office design. That’s where companies like NORNORM are making a difference.

Founded with a mission to make circularity the new norm, NORNORM, a Dutch company from Amsterdam that offers subscription-based office furniture solutions that are both sustainable and adaptable to evolving workplace needs. By replacing traditional “buy and own” models with a fully circular approach, the company is reshaping how businesses furnish their spaces, minimizing waste while maximizing flexibility.

In this interview, we spoke with Douwe Dirks, Chief Commercial Officer at NORNORM, to learn more about their innovative model, the inspiration behind their circular mission, and what led them to expand into the Paris Region. We also explore how the Region’s strong commitment to sustainability supports NORNORM’s growth and helps scale circular office solutions across Europe..

Can you tell us about NORNORM and its mission?

NORNORM is a subscription-based service providing businesses with flexible, sustainable, and circular office furniture solutions. Our mission is to make circularity the new norm, transforming the way offices are furnished by replacing wasteful, linear models with a fully circular approach. We help companies adapt to evolving workspace needs while significantly reducing waste and environmental impact.

What inspired the creation of NORNORM and the shift towards circular furniture solutions?

NORNORM was created to address inefficiencies and environmental challenges in the office furniture industry. The shift to circular solutions was driven by the need for a more sustainable and flexible alternative to traditional ownership models. By embracing circularity, we extend the lifespan of furniture through refurbishment and reuse, enabling businesses to furnish their offices in a way that’s both cost-efficient and environmentally responsible.

How does NORNORM’s approach differ from traditional office furnishing models?

Unlike conventional “buy and own” models, NORNORM offers a circular, subscription-based approach. Instead of purchasing furniture outright, businesses subscribe to a complete office setup that evolves with their needs. This ensures they always have the right workspace without the burden of ownership or the waste associated with replacing outdated furniture.

What motivated NORNORM to expand into the Paris Region? How will NORNORM’s presence in the Paris Region contribute to its growth?

Paris Region is a key hub for sustainability-driven businesses, making it a natural step in NORNORM’s expansion. The demand for flexible, circular office solutions is growing, and businesses in the Region are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. By establishing a presence in Paris Region, we can support companies in their transition to more sustainable workspaces while strengthening our footprint in a market that values circular economy principles.

How do you see the demand for circular economy solutions evolving in the Paris Region?

The demand for circular economy solutions in the Paris Region is rapidly growing, driven by both policy initiatives and a shift in business mindset. The Region has implemented ambitious strategies to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption, while companies are actively seeking solutions that align with these goals. This momentum is accelerating the adoption of circular business models across industries, including office furniture.

How does being part of the Paris Region business ecosystem benefit NORNORM?

Paris Region is home to a strong network of companies focused on sustainability and green innovation, making it an ideal environment for NORNORM. Being part of this ecosystem allows us to build meaningful partnerships and collaborate with like-minded organizations. The Region’s commitment to circularity also aligns with our business model, helping us drive awareness and adoption of circular office solutions across Europe.

What are NORNORM’s future plans for growth in the Paris Region and beyond?

We plan to expand our presence in the Paris Region by working closely with businesses that are rethinking their office spaces through a circular lens. Strengthening our local partnerships will be key to supporting more companies in making the transition to flexible, sustainable furnishing solutions. These partnerships also serve as a precedent for other organizations looking to embrace circularity, inspiring more businesses to join the movement. Beyond the Region, we are scaling across Europe and beyond.

How do you envision the future of workspaces, and what role does NORNORM play in shaping it?

The future of workspaces will be more dynamic, sustainable, and adaptable, with businesses prioritizing flexible environments that evolve with their needs. NORNORM plays a key role by offering a subscription-based, circular furnishing model that allows companies to scale and adjust their workspaces without creating waste. By making sustainable choices more accessible, we help businesses future-proof their offices while reducing their environmental impact.

What advice would you give to other international companies considering expansion into the Paris Region?

Paris Region has a strong network of sustainability-focused businesses, but success requires patience and local engagement. Building trust through partnerships is key, as is understanding the Region’s circular economy goals and regulations. Companies that contribute real value and align with local priorities will find strong support. A collaborative, long-term mindset is essential for growth in this market.