Enky Brings Sustainable Furniture Subscription to the UK

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Enky's business revolves around zero waste principles and a unique subscription model
Enky, a Belgian start-up, has expanded into the British market, bringing its unique offering of zero-waste furniture subscriptions to new shores

When you hear the words "throwaway culture", you'll likely think of food waste, fast fashion or plastic packaging. Something small, something everyday. You'd be forgiven for never thinking of furniture as disposable item, because, well, it's part of the furniture.

That's certainly not the case though; furniture waste is real and it's something that is rarely addressed in our society, with only 3% of furniture ever being recycled once discarded by households or businesses. Enter Enky.

Belgian start-up Enky, which deals mostly in office furnishings, has been making waves across mainland Europe by addressing growing concerns over furniture waste and the need for more sustainable business practices. Now, the Brussels-based company has launched its innovative 'Furniture-as-a-Service' model in the British market.

A new model for office furnishing

Enky's subscription-based model allows businesses to access high-quality, ergonomic furniture without the hefty upfront costs typically associated with office fittings. This approach not only eases the financial burden on companies but also promotes a more circular economy in the furniture industry.

Aïssa Laroussi, Co-Founder and CEO of Enky, explains the rationale behind the company's expansion: "Corporate Social Responsibility and a growing awareness of our planet's limited resources are making dynamic and profitable circular solutions increasingly attractive."

Aïssa Laroussi, Co-Founder and CEO of Enky | Credit: Enky

Tackling furniture waste

The furniture industry's environmental impact is significant, with Europe alone producing 11 million tonnes of furniture waste annually and, as previously stated, only 3% of this waste is currently recycled.

Enky's model aims to tackle this alarming issue head-on by extending the lifecycle of furniture through refurbishment and recycling.

Shari Dewannemacker, Sales & Marketing Director at Enky, highlights the company's approach: "Our first ambassadors are designers and interior architects who understand the scale of the waste problem. With our service, we represent around thirty brands, offering customers an original, sustainable, varied, flexible, and financially advantageous solution."

Proven success across Europe

Enky's expansion into the UK follows a successful test phase in mainland Europe. Without any advertising, the company has already installed over US$5.4m worth of furniture across Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and France. Their client base ranges from SMEs to multinational corporations, educational institutions, hospitality professionals and property developers.

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Commitment to sustainability

The company's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its business model. Enky selects suppliers that adhere to rigorous sustainability criteria, including the use of sustainable wood sources (PEFC/FCS) and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. All of Enky's products are made in Europe and are marketed with an emphasis on their durability and local production credentials.

Growing market potential

Enky's arrival in the UK coincides with a growing trend towards sustainable business practices and circular economy models. The global eco-friendly furniture market is projected to reach $81 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth potential for companies like Enky.For businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining high standards of design and functionality, Enky's model presents an attractive option. The subscription-based service allows companies to adapt their furniture needs as they evolve, potentially reducing waste and unnecessary purchases.

Investment opportunities

Investors are also taking note of Enky's potential.

The company offers investment opportunities in high-quality furniture, with returns of 6-8%. This capital supports a business model that helps companies furnish spaces with minimal cash flow while addressing sustainability in a notoriously polluting industry.

A thought-provoking perspective

As Enky establishes its presence in the UK, it will be interesting to see how the local market responds to this innovative approach to office furnishing. The company's success could potentially spark a shift in how businesses think about their furniture needs and their role in promoting sustainability.

Laroussi concludes with a thought-provoking twist on a famous quote: "If the famous French chemist Antone Lavoisier were alive today, he might update his famous quote to say: 'Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is rented'."

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