Circularity in the Furniture Industry

Imagine this:

You’ve just arrived in Sweden as an international student, weary from your long journey.

As you open the door to your student apartment, you’re greeted by an empty room, save for a solitary cabinet for your clothes – if you’re lucky.

There’s no bed, no chair, no table—nothing to make it feel like home.

Now, you’re faced with furnishing your place, and your first option is to buy new furniture…and you realise some things:

It’s a strain on your student budget (beers are expensive in Sweden).
Purchasing new furniture isn’t the most environmentally friendly option, considering it may end up discarded after your short stay.
Not to mention, you don’t have a car to conveniently bring your newly purchased furniture back to your place, and delivery will take a while – which means you might be sleeping on the floor for your first few nights.

Not the ideal way to begin your adventure, is it?

Our vision

By offering pre-loved furniture for rent, Cohabit aims to make sustainable consumption convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Driving Circularity: Our Impact

Once thrown out, only a small percentage of furniture is recycled.

According to the statistics from the European Federation of Furniture Manufacturers (UEA), around 80% to 90% of the EU furniture waste in the municipal solid waste stream is incinerated or sent to a landfill and only less than 10% are recycled.

The environmental impact of “fast furniture” is significant and calls for a change in consumer behavior to address this (seemingly) overlooked concern.

Cohabit's Approach to Circular Sourcing

We’re all about giving pre-loved furniture a fresh start.

Everything begins with recognizing that a lot of good quality and functional furniture sits around in someone’s basement – or, even worse – ends up in the trash because people no longer need it. Even some circular businesses deal with unsold furniture destined for the same fate – and that’s where Cohabit comes in.

Cohabit steps in to find new homes for these items. We collaborate with individuals and various circular businesses to connect these valuable resources with those searching for a more sustainable furniture option. This approach prevents good furniture from becoming waste and retains the value of resources.

Why Choose Pre-loved Furniture?

Pre-loved furniture is awesome for a few key reasons:

First, it’s eco-friendly. It’s like giving a high-five to the planet because you’re not using up more resources.

Second, these pieces might have a few little “love marks” – tiny scratches or dents – but that doesn’t stop them from doing their job. Plus, those marks can make them kind of cool and unique.

Lastly, if you’re a student or need furniture for a short time, choosing pre-loved stuff is a smart move. It’s gentle on your wallet and better for our world. So, you save money and help the environment. Double win!

Pre-loved furniture is sustainable, has character, and won’t break the bank – a top choice for anyone looking for affordable, eco-friendly options.

Cohabit AB 2023 Sustainability Report

We are excited to share our 2023 Sustainability Report, which reflects our dedication towards sustainability and circularity in the furniture industry. As we continue to navigate the challenges ahead, we’re grateful to have you alongside us on this journey!