RREUSE aims to boost social enterprises’ role in furniture and mattresses’ circularity
We are thrilled to announce that we have launched a new project designed to unlock the untapped potential of social enterprises in managing bulky waste. We are focusing on the role of social enterprises in increasing the circularity of furniture and mattresses while also promoting social and labour market inclusion.
The project will take place between September 2024 and April 2026 with the funding from IKEA Social Entrepreneurship.
Addressing a Critical Need
Every year, millions upon millions of pieces of furniture and mattresses are discarded and most of them end up in landfills or incineration facilities due to their large volume and complex material composition. This project recognises the unique ability of social enterprises to address these challenges through increased reuse, repair and recycling.
This project will showcase the triple environmental benefit of increased circularity for bulky waste: reducing waste, cutting GHG emissions and conserving valuable resources. Beyond its ecological impact, reuse activities carried out by social enterprises also create pathways to stable employment by unlocking new reskilling and upskilling opportunities to people distanced from the labour market.
A Foundation for Long-Term Transformation
This project is one step toward the longer-term vision of embedding social enterprises deeper into the furniture and mattresses value chains. By fostering resilient and innovative partnerships among social enterprises as well as with mainstream businesses and public authorities, we aim to establish a systemic shift in bulky waste management that finally gives a second chance to both people and products.
Key Activities
The initial phase will lay the groundwork for future success. We are focusing on:
- Mapping our members’ existing activities in furniture and mattress circularity.
- Identifying gaps and challenges in capacity and operational needs.
- Exploring interest and potential for scaling up reuse and recycling business models.
- Facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering partnerships within the RREUSE network.
- Strengthening business operations and opportunities for social enterprises.
- Compiling impactful stories and data to support outreach, visibility and our advocacy work.
Stay tuned for updates as we take this important step in empowering social and circular enterprises to usher in a new paradigm for bulky waste management, protecting the environment while also supporting local economies and maintaining social cohesion in our communities.
Main contact: Charlotte Chng, ch************@rr****.org