In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a large-scale project will enable the collection and modernization of more furniture, drawing on the capabilities of five resource centers spread across the rural Doubs region. This initiative has been made possible with financial support from Ecomaison, as part of the Call for Expressions of Interest (AMI) Reuse and Territories 2024. Let us tell you all about it!
A large-scale project to boost reuse
To promote the reuse of furniture, five recycling centers in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté are coordinating new activities to improve collection and create a new range of furniture refurbishment services for individuals and professionals. In detail:
- increased logistics capacity for collection, storage, and sales,
- Strengthening the furniture supply chain between the five business sites,
- training in sandblasting techniques and creative upcycling for the renovation of furniture, armchairs, and sofas,
- leading workshops to raise public awareness about reuse.
Developing the collection of antique furniture
With financial assistance from Ecomaison, this local network of resource centers was able to invest in the purchase of a new truck to boost collection, particularly in the Haut-Doubs region bordering Switzerland, which is home to a veritable treasure trove of high-quality antique furniture, and to acquire equipment to facilitate handling and traceability: a weighing pallet truck, printer, and barcode reader for labeling. The aim is then to send the items to workshops dedicated to furniture renovation, in particular the Recyclerie du Val de Morteau's transformation and creativity workshop.
-
- 75
- metric tons
of furniture waste collected in 2024
-
- 51
- %
reuse rate
Sandblasting and wallpapering
The second focus of the project is to strengthen furniture modernization capabilities in order to expand the range of services offered to both individuals and professionals. Antique furniture collected or entrusted by customers will be sanded down and then customized. A team trained in creative upcycling techniques using upholstery will take care of armchairs and sofas in particular. Once the furniture has been renovated, it can be given a new lease of life by its original owner or sent to the resource centers' sales areas.
The teams also run furniture renovation workshops to raise awareness of these new upcycling activities and involve the public in the act of reuse.
This project draws on the specific characteristics of the resource centers in the area:
- General stores in Vercel-Villedieu-le-Camp, Isle-sur-le-Doubs, and Laissey/Baumes-les-Dames
- A Creative Recycling Center in Les Fins
- A recycling center specializing in dismantling and reusing materials in Houtaud-Pontarlier.
The circular economy as experienced by those who make it happen
"Thanks to our creative workshop, local residents have access to custom-made, locally sourced, and ethically produced furniture, while contributing to the fight against waste and promoting social inclusion. At Carnous, we firmly believe that giving objects a second life also means giving everyone a place in society."
Laïla Fikri, Head of the Solidarity Initiatives Division 25
"By supporting the BFC resource center's furniture customization project, Ecomaison is promoting a waste reduction initiative that combines creativity and social integration in a predominantly rural area."
Dorian Raynaud, Regional Development Manager – Grand Est, Ecomaison
AMI Réemploi et Territoires: accelerating solidarity-based reuse
As part of the Reuse Fund,the AMI Reuse and Territories of Ecomaison aims to promote and financially support projects developed by social and solidarity economy structures and built around local ecosystems, which increase reuse volumes in French territories. The first session supported 30 winning projects to increase sustainable collection, improve refurbishment, and develop new outlets.