Poltrona Frau Embraces Digital Design
Poltrona Frau First Furniture Brand to Adopt Digital Product Passports
MILAN — Luxury Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau has become the first in its category to adopt digital product passports based on Aura Blockchain Consortium technology.
The brand, part of the Haworth Lifestyle Design division controlled by the U.S. furniture giant, leveraged the consortium’s technology for a pilot project involving its iconic Archibald Gran Comfort armchair.
As reported, Aura Blockchain Consortium was established in 2021 by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, Prada Group and the Richemont-owned Cartier to provide luxury goods customers with proof of authenticity, responsible sourcing and sustainability.
The digital product passport project, powered by Aura Blockchain Consortium partner Temera, is part of a broader sustainability and innovation effort at Poltrona Frau.
As of September, each Archibald model features an NFC tag, located under the brand’s logo, which allows clients, by tapping their smartphone onto it, to instantly access information related to the specific product as well as the brand, such as its history, craftsmanship and sustainability efforts.
In addition, the passport provides tips for caring for the armchair to ensure it lasts longer and it offers exclusive access to services, such as dedicated customer support.
The digital passport can be activated by scanning the NFC tag with a smartphone or by entering the product serial number found underneath the chair.
“This project marks a new phase in Poltrona Frau’s innovation efforts, representing a significant advancement in our ability to communicate our brand’s values to customers,” said CEO Nicola Coropulis.
“It also enables us to interact more directly with them, ensuring the longevity and enhancing the value of our products over time,” he added.
According to the company, plans are underway to extend the project to other product categories and to use the technology to further develop new post-sale services.
In addition to the three founding members, Aura Blockchain Consortium counts other luxury groups among its members including Mercedes-Benz, OTB and Breitling.
