They received this incentive prize from the province of Noord-Brabant for their joint efforts in the Circular Hub in Veghel. In this 12,000m2 production and revitalisation facility, used office furniture is given a new life. It is designed for reuse and is taken back by Ahrend and Gispen, refurbished and sold through their own webshop.
The manufacturers also want to develop circular services from the Hub, such as lease arrangements for office furniture. The intention is that more companies will be able to join the Hub in the future.
According to Bob Stamhuis, Manager of the Circular Hub, it is really out of date that 90% of office furniture in Europe ends up in the rubbish dump. “All manufacturers have a responsibility here. We can really make an impact with the Circular Hub.”
“I have great admiration for the circular philosophy at these companies who already think about later reuse when designing office furniture,” said Brabant deputy Anne-Marie Spierings (Circular Economy). She presented the prize to Ahrend and Gispen in January.
