Luca Clerici, an advocate for valuing resources, carries his childhood lessons into his work at IKEA. Growing up in Italy, his grandfather, who lived through World War II poverty, instilled in him the importance of not wasting anything. This upbringing shaped Luca’s responsible approach to life and his passion for sustainable practices at IKEA.
Luca enjoys exploring innovative production methods and materials for IKEA’s future products. He found an exciting opportunity when old IKEA coworker uniforms were collected across Europe. This initiative allowed him to investigate the potential of post-consumer textiles as a valuable resource, aligning with IKEA’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles.
The VÄXELBRUK collection is a direct result of this project. This collection features throws, cushion covers, curtains, and bags, all crafted from 300 tonnes of recycled Ikea Uniform material gathered from European markets between 2020 and 2022. By transforming used ikea uniform fabrics into new home furnishings, IKEA demonstrates a practical approach to textile recycling and waste reduction. The ikea uniform recycling program not only diverts textile waste from landfills but also creates unique and sustainable products for customers.
The VÄXELBRUK collection is set to launch in European stores soon, showcasing IKEA’s dedication to turning waste into valuable resources. This initiative highlights the potential of ikea uniform and other post-consumer textiles in creating a more sustainable future for home furnishings and beyond. Luca’s personal philosophy and IKEA’s commitment to innovation have converged to create a collection that embodies both resourcefulness and environmental responsibility.
