Following a call for projects to reuse and repurpose used furniture launched in 2018, Eco-mobilier supported ELAN Jouques in developing the technical skills of its teams on integration schemes and organizing workshops to raise awareness among the general public about reusing used furniture.
December 2020 - Eco-mobilier is the eco-organization in charge of collecting, sorting and recycling furniture and furnishing elements. Waste prevention through the reuse of used furniture is one of its key priorities, with the aim of achieving ZERO waste by 2023.
Partnering 420 players in the Social and Solidarity Economy, Ecomobilier 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 according to three categories: creating an upcycled furniture range, setting up a second-hand materials store, and developing skills. The ELAN Jouques project was selected in this context.
"Our ambition is to increase the re-use rate of used furniture. To achieve this, it is essential to guarantee the quality of products sent to social economy platforms, and to develop the skills of their employees," explains Dominique Mignon, President of Eco-mobilier.
ELAN Jouques provides skills training for people on integration schemes
Through the creation of unique pieces of furniture from used furniture, ELAN Jouques' ultimate aim is to hire around 15 people on integration schemes to take part in this project, which involves the following stages:
- Conduct market research to optimize outlets,
- Fitting out premises,
- Training in certain repair, assembly, painting and materials knowledge techniques,
- Designing new furniture (dismantling used furniture, assembling the various parts of the new furniture, finishing...),
- Develop, manage and animate a website, then market the first products.
- Manage marketing campaigns and order tracking.
Employees develop up-cycled furniture using newly acquired machines. Some are self-trained in furniture design software.
"Above all, this project creates jobs, enhances and develops the skills of all staff undergoing integration, and helps them regain their self-confidence, including for their future career paths. "explains Ludwig Rouault, Director of ELAN Jouques. "Especially as up-cycling activities are set to expand. The demand for qualified staff and trainers already exists in recycling and resourceries."
Validated by a training course leading to a qualification (CQP certification de qualification professionnelle), the experience acquired at ELAN Jouques contributes fully to the development of the re-use sector. As part of the Zéro Chômeurs Longue Durée (Zero Long-Term Unemployed) national experiment, employees who have benefited from this training can apply for various job offers that match the new skills they have acquired.
ELAN Jouques raises public awareness
ELAN Jouques offers workshops for the general public to learn how to repair, refurbish and recycle used furniture. Awareness-raising activities are also offered to schools and day-care centers...
"Local residents are proud of this local production. They benefit from affordable furniture and objects via the recycling center, as well as quality 'upcycled' furniture with meticulous design. Our boutique contributes to the renewal of village life: local residents and shopkeepers are in demand! And thanks to the workshops we organize, our customers discover that a second life is possible for used furniture. "concludes Ludwig Rouault, Director of ELAN Jouques.
"By supporting a project like ELAN Jouques, we are taking a new step in our relationship with players in the social and solidarity economy," says Dominique Mignon, President of Ecomobilier. "We are committed to supporting them, helping them structure their activities and giving a new dimension to their projects."
About ELAN Jouques
The ELAN Jouques association is a spin-off from the national experimental project "TERRITOIRES ZÉRO CHÔMEUR DE LONGUE DURÉE" (TERRITORIES ZERO LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYMENT). This project aims to reduce long-term unemployment, based on the premise that no-one is unemployable. ELAN Jouques offers a job to all unemployed people who volunteer to become employees of an EBE (Entreprise à but d'emploi); hiring is non-selective. ELAN Jouques currently has 47 full-time employees.
ELAN Jouques - 596 chemin de la Colle - 13490 Jouques - https://www.elan-jouques.com