Over the past few years, we've been 'stunning' brands that not only use sustainable materials, but can also upcycle and recycle materials to create new products. We need to understand (if only we could actually be conscious about) how we consume things, and how this consumer culture impacts the planet we live on. I have become more conscious of what I am giving. IKEA is trying to capture our hearts by creating a new lifestyle. A line made from materials they themselves had to dispose of.
Designer: IKEA
The Swedish brand presents its latest collection called VÄXELBRUK. This collection is uniquely created by recycling coworkers' uniforms that were discarded when we introduced new attire in 2020. So instead of just throwing these old uniforms on the trash heap, they came up with new ones. Products made from 300 tons of these “useless” IKEA uniforms. However, if you don't like yellow and blue, you may want to look elsewhere. However, while the color could be significantly reduced without dyeing the fabric, it can be more expensive and resource-intensive.
The collection includes 16 textile-based items inspired by the aforementioned old school uniforms. This also includes cushions, bags, cushion covers, curtains, etc. However, it is not made of completely uniform fibers, as it is blended with other recycled materials such as polyester from used plastic bottles. Some new uniforms with “deficiencies” were also included to ensure they were not wasted. Including other materials also helped change the usually very bright colors.
If you didn't know that it was made from discarded colleagues' uniforms, you'd think it was a regular IKEA product in the brand's signature colors. But it gets even more interesting when you know where they come from. The VÄXELBRUK (Swedish for interchangeable use) collection will be available in European stores in February 2024.
