Sustainability | FEATURE
According to ReTuna’s management, the concept has
found some loyal fans. Sales recorded in 2016, just one year
after the mall’s opening, reached Kr8.1 million (US$968,835).
This is a little different from your average flea market building.
“ReTuna is more than just a marketplace. It also aims to be
a public educator. [It] organizes events, workshops, lectures,
theme days, and more, all with a focus on sustainability,” the
team explained in its brief.
“The [local] high school, Eskilstuna Folkhögskola,
conducts its one-year education program, “Recycle Design –
Återbruk,” on the premises. There are also conference rooms
where guests can hold climate-smart meetings. Organic
lunch and baked treats are on offer at Café Returama.”
In keeping with the educational mandate, ReTuna offers
behind-the-scenes Crazy Monday study tours for individuals,
corporate teams, and non-profit organizations wanting to
learn more about circular economics. Other special events
include clothing swaps (organized by Eskilstuna Folk
High School in cooperation with the Nature Conservation
Association and Eskilstuna municipality), ReTuna Day with
its workshops and recycled design show, Toy Exchange
Day, and Re:Design Christmas Market featuring climate-
smart products.
This tree's
wool felt
leaves can
absord sound.
ReTuna's conference
rooms are ideal for
corporate gatherings.
A look at the circle bench's recharging plugs.
Sitting Pretty
Given its unique retail concept, ReTuna
Återbruksgalleria has no shortage of
would-be collaborators. It found one in
Green Furniture, which supplied its eco-
friendly leaf lamp tree and circle bench
for the mall’s entrance. The tree’s “leaves”
are made out of sound-absorbing wool
felt and the bench features natural wood
(e.g., beech, oak, and maple), steel, and a
hard wax oil finish. Answering consumers’
need for digital connectivity as well as a
connection to nature, the ReTuna bench is
equipped with chargers for mobile devices.
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