Why we should embrace the Vinted model for business

Brands such as Oxfam, Vinted and Vinterior have all been elevated to an elite status, and bagging a bargain is not only applauded for being a skill; but is also seen as the sustainable choice. So, if retail has embraced ‘pre-loved’, why is the business world slow to cotton on?

Second-hand shops are nothing new, in fact they’ve been around since the Salvation Army first opened its doors in 1865. But once a product for the poor, these retailers are now viewed as an essential tool in tackling climate change.

As businesses are facing mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impacts, many have embraced, ‘re-commerce.’ The most proactive manufacturers are adding repair, resale and rental models to their portfolios, extending the life of products, reducing waste and helping customers lower their carbon footprint.

And some, like The Senator Group, are manufacturing products with reconditioning and reuse built into their products’ original design. Contour by the Group’s Senator brand has been designed to not only use recycled components, but has the option of removeable covers, so that it can be modernised or reupholstered in the future, retaining most of its original value.

Climate action NGO WRAP estimates 670,000 tonnes of furniture are sent to landfill each year – much of it reusable. Yet charitable organisations and schools are crying out for donations for their own use, or for resale. Programme’s such as Sustain Wish List take a sensible approach to preowned products which arrive at its recycling service. Items which have plenty of life left in them, or require a little repair, are reconditioned and donated to worthy causes.

To buy second hand furniture for business, not only makes economic sense, but is a bold statement when it comes to sustainability. Purchasing good quality pre-owned office furniture can save businesses a considerable amount of money, enabling them to allocate funds to other essential areas, such as employee benefits or technology upgrades. Businesses don’t have to compromise on aesthetics, as most quality-brands are specified to be ‘timeless’ in their design, avoiding colours and styles that would require an update long before the furniture shows any signs of wear and tear.

One major benefit of purchasing legacy furniture is that it’s available quickly. It doesn’t face the same manufacturing lead times as buying new, helping businesses to flex and adapt quickly to changing needs.

For companies looking to create unique, quirky and individualised spaces, second-life furniture offers an eclectic mix of styles, sizes and designs, with a product range that refreshes daily. This can add more character to a space than large corporate environments, not to mention a thought-provoking story for visitors.

But arguably the biggest benefit is for companies who value sustainability. Choosing to buy second-hand office furniture ensures that items are reused rather than disposed of, which supports ecological production practices and contributes to carbon reduction. It also has the added benefit of securing ‘green jobs’, that contribute to preserving or restoring the environment.

To take a look at re:work’s current Second Life range, click here.