Following a call for projects to reuse and repurpose used furniture launched in 2018, Eco-mobilier supported the association la Matière in launching the "Magasin des Matières", a material library made up in particular of used furniture parts.
July 26, 2021 - Eco-mobilier is the eco-organization in charge of collecting, sorting and recycling furniture and furnishing components. Waste prevention through the reuse of used furniture is one of its key priorities, with the aim of achieving ZERO waste by 2023.
In partnership with more than 500 players in the Social and Solidarity Economy, Eco-mobilier launched its first "call for projects for the reuse and re-utilization of used furniture" in 2018.
Eco-mobilier selected the 10 most innovative initiatives in three categories: the creation of upcycled furniture ranges, the development of skills and the creation of second-hand materials stores. It was in this context that "Le Magasin des Matières", the materials store project launched by La Matière, an association based in La Rochelle, was selected.
"Our ambition is to increase the re-use rate of used furniture. To this end, it is essential to guarantee the quality of products sent to social economy platforms and to support them in their projects," explains Dominique Mignon, President of Eco-mobilier.
With the "Magasin des Matières", one man's waste becomes another man's raw material
In 2020, the "Matière" association expands and moves to a larger venue called the "Maison de l'économie circulaire", ideally located in Périgny, at the entrance to the industrial zone, equipped with a large parking lot. Its visibilitý is ideal, bordering one of the busiest traffic circles in the La Rochelle conurbation.
This is where "Le Magasin des Matières" opened, a veritable supermarket for second-hand materials aimed at the general public. To date, 300 members come here to collect materials, notably from used furniture dismantled by the store's team of employees.
The first challenge of the Eco-mobilier partnership was to improve relations with members, by setting up a reception and information area at the entrance to the store. A member of staff is on hand to answer any questions about the materials available (quantities, prices, etc.) or when purchasing (weighing, order tracking, etc.).
A great deal of work has gone into the layout of the premises. Materials are now presented in a more accessible way: wood panels, boards and battens are stored in racks according to their length, fabrics and small wood segments in bins, fabrics and industrial leather scraps in palboxes... New storage spaces are dedicated to structures from the event industry.
Members can use the carpentry workshop. Workbenches are available to help them develop projects based on re-use. Eco-mobilier has also contributed to the acquisition of tools (plunge saw, vacuum cleaner, compression nailer, pendulum saw, machine tools, etc.).
Le Magasin des matières also offers second-hand furniture and picture frames... It has developed an upcycling activity (making small objects from used furniture) and is now starting to fit out spaces for companies and associations.
"The "Magasin des Matières " project is innovative because it overturns the "dusty" visions of traditional recycling shops, by offering second-hand materials or furniture. Waste becomes resource, and new reuse solutions emerge in our recycling workshops," explains Julien Duranceau, co-founder of La Matière. "For employees, the Magasin des Matière is a real sales outlet that facilitates traceability and storage processes, and offers a comfortable working environment in the workshop. For customers, the welcome is pleasant and the products on offer are numerous and well displayed."
"By supporting this project, we are taking a new step in our relationship with players in the social economy," explains Dominique Mignon, President of Ecomobilier. "We are committed to supporting them, helping them structure their activities and giving a new dimension to their projects.
The project was supported by Eco-mobilier and the Région nouvelle Aquitaine.
About Matter
Created in 2014, a veritable third place in the circular economy, LA MATIERE is an ecosystem of responsible creativity serving the resource. This structure aims to reduce waste and raise awareness of material reuse, through different types of activities:
- Circular project management support for companies and local authorities in their circular economy initiatives,
- Accelerating the development of circular projects,
- Maintaining a materials store (Matériauthèque de réemploi),
- Sustainable space planning and design,
- Eco-designed products for reuse,
- Facilitating circular workshops for citizens and businesses.