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Over the past few years, Ikea staff across the globe received updated uniforms, leaving behind a substantial pile of old clothing. Instead of discarding it, the home furnishings giant gave the textiles a second life. Through a clever recycling process, the old uniforms were turned into felt and fabric, which Ikea then used to craft a series of accessories.
In this article, I’ll show you what these accessories look like, walk you through the process, and let you know where you can buy them.
IKEA’s old uniforms
Between 2020 and 2022, Ikea gathered around 300 tons of uniforms from its European stores for this new project. While most of the collection consisted of used clothing, some pieces had never even been worn.
The old uniforms can be seen in the photo below.
Trucks brought the collected clothes to a central location, where workers shredded the fabrics down to individual fibers. These fibers were then spun into new fabrics. However, because recycled fibers are shorter than those in new materials, they lack the strength needed for items like chairs. Such furniture must endure frequent use and friction, so manufacturers opt for more durable materials instead.
From uniform to upcycled: IKEA’s sustainable accessories Line
Ikea decided to use the recycled fabrics for accessories that endure less friction. The items in the VÄXELBRUK collection are simple: cushions, curtains, throws, and bags.
The bag clearly shows the yellow and blue colors of the original uniforms. In contrast, these signature shades are much less visible in the other items. That’s no coincidence, it’s a deliberate choice by IKEA. Instead of dyeing the fabrics, they chose to mix in other industrial textile scraps in different colors. As a result, the yellow and blue tones appear softer and more subtle in the final designs.
New uniforms adjusted
This is the first time Ikea has repurposed fabrics for other products. According to the press release about VÄXELBRUK, they applied this skill directly to their own uniforms. When staff received the new uniforms, they quickly discovered that one of the shirts was see-through. As a result, they took the shirts back, shredded them, and created a new, thicker fabric.
To be honest, this doesn’t surprise me. From the moment IKEA announced the rollout of new uniforms, it was clear that the designs came from their own in-house team, the same people who usually design wardrobes and sofas. Naturally, that’s bound to lead to issues. After all, workwear isn’t fashion, as many experts often point out. And it’s certainly nothing like furniture. Still, IKEA chooses to do things their own way and, impressively, they manage to keep it sustainable.
If you’re curious about the recycled accessories, don’t wait too long. Since it’s a limited collection, it’s only available in a select number of stores across Europe.
Best regards,