Circularity in the furniture industry
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. Less than 10% of them are recycled (Read the report here). The environmental impact of “fast furniture” is significant and calls for a change in consumer behavior to address this (seemingly) overlooked concern.
The need to shift our production and consumption patterns is evident. Our economy contributes to exponential resource depletion, ignoring the real boundaries of what nature can provide and reabsorb. While these planetary boundaries are being crossed, businesses largely feed into linear systems, worsening our global challenges.
Circularity with Cohabit
People choose to throw most furniture out when they relocate from one home to another, mainly due to costs and efforts associated with moving. Given the countless “fast furniture” options today, most people would discard their old/ used furniture and would rather purchase new ones. If this trend continues, what impact can it have on our planet in the long run?
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. Less than 10% of them are recycled (Read the report here). The environmental impact of “fast furniture” is significant and calls for a change in consumer behavior to address this (seemingly) overlooked concern.
The need to shift our production and consumption patterns is evident. Our economy contributes to exponential resource depletion, ignoring the real boundaries of what nature can provide and reabsorb. While these planetary boundaries are being crossed, businesses largely feed into linear systems, worsening our global challenges.
Evidently, there is a demand for temporary use of furniture. At the same time, new, sustainable business models are overdue. Consumers need to have new ways of consuming, and new ways to contribute to a future they believe in. Circular business models take such needs into consideration and offer a new way to conceptualise material and cash flows in businesses. Given the particular challenge and demand presented above, Cohabit consists of a business idea that has the potential to organise and provide circular and cheaper options for students looking for temporary furniture. Through Cohabit, students can rent furniture for the period needed, while having an affordable cost through monthly rent. Cohabit also takes care of the transportation to and from their accommodation. Cohabit envisions a future where furniture is as commonly rented as the apartment itself, it is “meant to rent”.