Ateljee, a Belgian social enterprise, and BSH Group, an international appliance manufacturer, have cooperated since 2021 with the aim of saving discarded household appliances through repair and reuse, thereby contributing to waste reduction and inclusive employment.
Ateljee receives returned small appliances from BSH Group, which are sent back by customers. The social enterprise tests, repairs, and refurbishes the appliances as needed before selling them locally in second-hand stores. By creating a steady flow of similar devices, the cooperation with BSH improves the efficiency of repairs, enabling Ateljee to employ and train individuals distanced from the labour market.
The partnership has extended the lifetime of appliances, reducing electronic waste while creating meaningful and inclusive jobs in repair and reuse. With 450 employees, Ateljee has been able to professionalise its operations, offering better work conditions and opportunities for scaling. Together, Ateljee and BSH Group save approximately 40% of discarded household appliances.
“In the traditional labour market, a shortage of technical expertise can be a significant issue. We manage this by training insertion employees ourselves. We are not necessarily looking for experienced repairers: we seek individuals motivated to learn. This approach not only helps us address staffing challenges but also supports the scalability of our partnerships by ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers ready to take on new projects.”
— Ateljee representative
©Photo by Ateljee
