What is ReTuna Recycling Gallery?
ReTuna is the world’s first recycling gallery. Here, guests shop in a completely new, climate-smart way. Old items are repurposed and given new life through repair and upcycling. Everything sold is recycled, reused, ecologically produced, or sustainably produced. Sustainability is not about holding back and living less – it’s about achieving more with the resources already available. Inaugurated in August 2015 and located next to the ReTuna Recycling Center at Folkestaleden 7 in Eskilstuna, the gallery offers a refreshing twist on traditional shopping. Visitors can easily sort materials in designated containers and leave behind reusable toys, furniture, clothes, home décor, and technology in the depot called “Returen.” At this depot, materials are first received and initially sorted by staff from AMA, Eskilstuna municipality’s resource unit for Activity, Motivation, and Work. Later, the items move on to the recycling shops within the gallery for a second sorting where store staff choose what to repair, fix, transform, refine, and sell… ensuring that these materials continue to have life.
Key Benefits and Success Metrics
A host of exciting figures and facts highlight the success of the concept:
- Recycled products worth 15.4 million were sold in 2020, marking nearly a 92% increase since inception.
- The gallery has generated over 50 new jobs, underscoring its contribution to local employment.
- It stands as an international news item, drawing documentary filmmakers, journalists, and curious tourists from all corners of the earth.
- Designed to be a broad and inclusive marketplace, the gallery shifts the focus toward sustainability without compromising on style or variety.
A Climate-Smart Marketplace
ReTuna is more than just a place to shop; it is a vibrant marketplace where every item tells a story of renewal. The process begins when visitors bring their unwanted items to the depot, where they are sorted initially by the dedicated team from AMA. After that, the items land in the various recycling shops across the gallery. Each store staff takes care to conduct a second sorting and selects items they want to repair, fix, transform, refine, and ultimately offer for sale. This careful, thoughtful process ensures that used materials regain their value – almost like magic! The results not only promote a climate-smart way of living but also inspire change in how communities think about resource use.
An Educational Hub for Sustainability
ReTuna goes far beyond being a marketplace by embracing its role as an educator. The gallery hosts a vibrant calendar of events, workshops, lectures, and theme days, all focused on environmental sustainability and the circular economy. For instance, Eskilstuna Folkhögskola conducts its one-year education program “Recycle Design – Upcycling” on the premises, turning the gallery into a live classroom for sustainable design. These educational initiatives help spread knowledge and foster community engagement on how resources can be used smartly, making sustainability approachable… and downright inspiring.
Innovative Circular Economy and Community Impact
The idea behind ReTuna originated from Eskilstuna municipality’s ambition to be a green role model. In the development work around environmental issues, the notion of a gallery stocked with “regular” stores featuring used and upcycled assortments emerged. Politicians in the municipal council believed in making the concept a reality. In August 2014, the project broke ground, and by August 28, 2015, ReTuna Recycling Gallery was inaugurated. Through a process of continuous discovery, ReTuna now draws visitors who are eager to see how recycled and renewable practices can be transformed into tangible benefits for society. The impact of the project is evident not only in impressive sales figures but also in the way it contributes to creating sustainable community benefits for current and future generations.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Enhancing local environments through responsible recycling and upcycling.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting the use of recycled, reused, and ecologically produced items.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Driving climate-smart solutions by reducing waste and encouraging sustainable practices.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Generating over 50 new jobs and boosting the local economy.
- SDG 4: Quality Education – Serving as an educational hub with workshops and specialized programs in upcycling and sustainability.
Future Perspectives and Community Growth
The development and expansion of ReTuna Recycling Gallery illustrate that an innovative approach to sustainability can redefine traditional business models while nurturing community spirit. Owned by Eskilstuna Energi och Miljö (EEM), a municipal company that runs operations in the energy and environmental sectors, ReTuna continues to exemplify how competitive operations can achieve optimal benefits with minimal environmental impact. By offering climate-smart meetings in its conference rooms and by serving delicious organic lunches at BMC Restaurant & Café, the gallery creates an atmosphere where education and commerce interweave seamlessly. The concept shows that sustainability doesn’t mean living with less; it is about making the most of the resources already at hand, ensuring that the cycle of reuse and recycle goes on. Future perspectives for the project remain promising as its influence spreads internationally – inviting more communities to explore this new way of living and thinking about sustainability. Innovative ideas and community involvement are at the heart of ReTuna, making it a shining example for green cities around the world… and ensuring that its legacy will inspire future generations.
