On Tuesday, February 27th, the first Flemish stakeholder event took place as part of the Interreg North Sea project CEO (Circular Economy Office). About 80 participants enjoyed an engaging afternoon program, which consisted of three main parts.
General Concerns
During the stakeholder event, 16 organizations presented their initiatives contributing to a more circular and sustainable office setup. Alongside these presentations, several general concerns and observations were voiced. These are points that can certainly be considered within the CEO project:
- How do we define sustainability and circularity? There is a need for clear, preferably European standards. The current interpretation of these concepts is too vague.
- There is a need for more awareness about the concept of circularity and its importance.
- Often, it is easier for customers to replace old furniture with new ones rather than exploring alternatives such as repair or using refurbished furniture.
- Collaboration is crucial for making progress. Within the circular economy, we are not competitors but rather partners with the same goal.
- Price remains a significant factor in winning over the market.
- There is still a lot of uncertainty among both organizations and suppliers regarding the European CSRD directive.
The 16 Pitches
A total of 16 organizations pitched their circular initiatives in the realm of circular office furnishing. Review them and reach out if you see opportunities for collaboration.
Re-sound specializes in acoustic furniture, wall panels, and room dividers, all made exclusively from sustainable or recycled materials. They offer a take-back program for panels that are no longer needed. All products are manufactured in Belgium.
Specializing in recycled fabrics and materials for furniture, curtains, flooring, sheet material, acoustic walls, and more, this company collaborates with 75 weaving mills and operates with high transparency. Their goal is to derive 40% of their revenue from circular services by 2035.
An experienced producer of sheet materials made from PET and EPS, this company offers products that are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. Their sheets, which can be processed on woodworking machines and are thermoformable, come in sizes up to 3x1.20 meters.
An initiative of all Flemish thrift stores, they collectively established a cooperative to more efficiently address the sustainable needs of the B2B market. They will operate with a central collection point for large lots of furniture.
A designer of Belgian premium carpets, this company uses 80% recycled materials, all sourced within the Benelux region. They believe in the power of storytelling to raise awareness about the circular narrative. They are taking their first steps into the office market.
Born from a moving company that noticed the amount of office furniture discarded during relocations, this company, now part of Transmoove, offers a comprehensive range of circular office furnishing solutions—from design to implementation—including circular furniture solutions.
A collaboration between three custom manufacturing companies—De Kringloopwinkel, Constructief, and Mobiel—aims to refurbish and sell office furniture. They actively solicited furniture donations and partnerships for this project.
Focused on sustainable work happiness, this company offers sustainable office furnishings from a holistic perspective, prioritizing reuse opportunities. They aim to gather startups with promising ideas in an ecosystem of like-minded individuals to collectively strengthen their market presence.
An initiative within the social economy, this organization creates furniture and interiors using reclaimed wood. They source their wood from thrift stores in the region and aspire to develop a goods bank to allow other interested parties to utilize the offered wood for their projects.
Provider of sustainable, smart custom lighting concepts, this company optimizes lighting based on the use of the space. With their smart lighting solutions, you can save up to 88% energy. They also offer a Light As A Service package.
Manufacturer of office furniture and specialist in office furnishing, this company leads Circular Workspace Design. A 100% Belgian company, they handle everything in-house, from design to delivery—including remanufacturing. They prioritize quality, reliability, and sustainability.
Research project by The Circular Value Institute introducing an additional party in the value chain: an investment company providing leverage financing for material producers with high circular value. Through the MASCO investment, the producer can offer circular discounts to users.
Belgian modular sofa made from circular materials, designed for disassembly. Features a circular business model with a take-back service. After targeting the B2C market, they are now focusing on the B2B market and aim to offer Seating As A Service. They are seeking partners who are interested in this initiative.
Manufacturer of office furniture with a focus on sustainable office design. Advocates for an analytical approach to future-proof offices. Strives for extended product lifespan through inclusive design and flexibility. Reduces packaging material by delivering items wrapped in blankets.
Circular office furnishing company specializing in refurbishing and revitalizing office furniture. Advocates for the flexibility of leasing and offers Furniture As A Service. Collaborates with its own workshop (social economy) to collect, disassemble, and reassemble goods.
A family-owned business based in Mechelen. Designs, manufactures, reupholsters, and repairs seating furniture in its own local workshop. Believes in the importance of strong communication to raise awareness about the repair economy.
