Introduction to the Återstalla Project
IKEA, in partnership with Mexican social enterprise Someone Somewhere, has launched the Återstalla pilot project. This initiative aims to transform the lifecycle of textile garments through recycling, reuse, and responsible production. The project is ongoing since July and will conclude on September 28th, taking place simultaneously in IKEA’s three Mexican stores: CDMX, Puebla, and Guadalajara.
Addressing the Textile Waste Crisis
The project addresses a pressing environmental issue, as Mexico generates 3.7 billion tons of textile waste annually, with less than 1% being recycled. IKEA and Someone Somewhere aim to redefine the value of used garments and explore sustainable, socially responsible alternatives.
Customer Engagement and Textile Collection
IKEA encouraged customers to donate used clothing or fabrics at in-store collection points. In return, customers received a $200 peso coupon for purchases over $800 pesos. The collected fabrics underwent processing to recover textile fibers, which were transformed into Circuloom thread—a new material produced without water, drastically reducing the carbon footprint.
Textile Recycling and Product Creation
By September 15th, the three IKEA stores in Mexico had received the following textile donations: 200 kg in Oceanía, 170 kg in Guadalajara, and 120 kg in Puebla. Including textiles from unsold or sample products, 1,371 kg of recycled fabrics were obtained to create 1,800 meters of Circuloom.
With the textile contributions, 12 designs were developed, resulting in 3,400 products crafted by Oaxaca artisans. “Each recycled textile becomes a genuine development opportunity for Oaxaca’s artisans, who transform waste into unique products with a positive impact on people and the planet,” stated Fátima Alvarez, co-founder of Someone Somewhere.
IKEA’s Five Pillars in Återstalla Collection
The Återstalla collection is based on IKEA’s five pillars: functionality, form, affordability, sustainability, and equity. “This collection is not only functional; it’s a testament to what’s possible when sustainability meets purpose,” explained Karla Pino, Sales Leader of IKEA Oceanía.
Promoting Responsible Consumption
Beyond material reuse, the project promotes shared responsibility for consumption and the textile sector’s environmental impact. It aims to raise consumer awareness about giving garments a second life, preventing waste.
“Producing with Meaning”
Someone Somewhere outlined the guiding philosophy of this project as “Producing with Meaning.”
Demand Alignment and Inventory Management
To align offerings with real demand, a customer survey was conducted to identify the most desired products, preventing overstock and unsold inventory.
Future Expansion of the Återstalla Project
Starting in 2026, the project will be implemented four times a year, amplifying its environmental and social impact.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Återstalla project? The Återstalla project is a collaboration between IKEA and Someone Somewhere, focusing on textile recycling, reuse, and responsible production.
- What environmental issue does the project address? The project tackles the issue of textile waste in Mexico, with less than 1% being recycled annually.
- How do customers participate? Customers can donate used clothing or fabrics at IKEA stores in exchange for shopping coupons.
- What products are created through the project? 3,400 products are crafted by Oaxaca artisans using recycled textiles, embodying IKEA’s five pillars.
- What is the guiding philosophy of the project? “Producing with Meaning” is the philosophy guiding the Återstalla project.
- How does the project manage inventory? Customer surveys help align product offerings with real demand, reducing overstock and unsold inventory.
