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Give your staff a bunting made from the company uniforms they have worn for years. The idea is so fun, but not everyone is keen on it. And so the Efteling buntings are currently being traded online at steep prices. Should they have come up with a different gift, or was this unavoidable?
Efteling bunting made of felt
Efteling wanted to celebrate its 73rd birthday in a unique way. And just like in 2018, when bags were made from the old uniforms, the theme park has once again decided to give old textiles a second life. After all, the 90 kilos of old uniforms that the park collects each week has to go somewhere. And since they want to have zero residual waste by 2030, recycling was a good plan.
Just like seven years ago, Efteling again collaborated with I-Did. After shredding the old uniforms, they processed them until only fine fibers remained. Those fibers were turned into felt, from which little flags could be cut. The flags are dark blue, orange, and white, so you also immediately recognise the colours of the uniforms.
Efteling bunting made from company uniforms appears in online trading
True Efteling fans currently have a chance to win this special bunting—and a number of park tickets—through a social media contest. In addition, all more than 3,000 employees received the bunting as a gift from their employer. But this has already led to a lively online trade. Where De Stentor reported 8 Marktplaats ads on May 31, there were already 74 at the time of writing (June 5). Prices go up to 150 euros per bunting.
This also happened in 2019, when staff received a pouffe from the company. Some of those also ended up on Marktplaats, where up to 120 euros was offered for the unique item. That did not happen with the aforementioned bags because customers could buy those in the Efteling shop for 20 euros.
Morally speaking, you might wonder whether selling a gift you received from your employer is really okay. Isn’t it a bit ungrateful, or—especially in financially challenging times—a boon for those who have to make ends meet? In any case, Efteling isn’t bothered that the buntings are being resold online. “We knew that not all employees would necessarily be happy with it. That they now end up with an Efteling fan is, of course, also nice,” the spokesperson told De Stentor.
Oh well, that’s true. It’s better to give it to someone who will really use it than have it gathering dust in a cupboard.
Regards,