Perfect for everything from smaller items to clothes.
Product details
Perfect to take with you when you go shopping and so durable that you can use it again and again.
Darja Nordberg
Measurements
- Height: 40 cm
- Width: 40 cm
Customer reviews
SustainabilityPeople and planet
Sustainable life at home
Giving new life to IKEA co-worker uniforms
Our store co-workers work hard to help customers. So do their uniforms, and over time they wear out and need to be replaced with new ones. So, what can be done with thousands of garments that are no longer used, even though the material is basically fully functional? For example, pillows, curtains, and bags, like we have done with BARRMYNTA. That way, we give materials new life as beautiful products in our customers’ homes.
Giving new life to IKEA co-worker uniforms
The BARRMYNTA products are largely made from clothing worn by IKEA store co-workers. To reach the expression and quality we wanted, we had to activate our experimental vein.
Our store co-workers work hard to help customers. So do their uniforms, and over time they wear out and need to be replaced with new ones. So, what can be done with thousands of garments that are no longer used, even though the material is basically fully functional? For example, pillows, curtains, and bags, like we have done with the BARRMYNTA series.
Iconic stripes
"Throwing away materials that can be used to make new products is a waste of resources. But using recycled textile materials for BARRMYNTA was not all easy,” says project leader Wenky Liu. Any colour can be created by dyeing, but this often requires various chemicals and large amounts of water. "We wanted to minimise this, so we used the colours from the co-worker clothing; yellow, blue, white and black. By experimenting with different nuances, we made all colours harmonise beautifully,” Wenky continues. "We also wanted to recreate the iconic striped expression of the uniform. Our designer did a fantastic job with these limitations.”
Testing for quality
The BARRMYNTA textiles had to be durable and be able to be washed again and again without losing colour or function. “To get the strength right, we mixed recycled textile fibres with virgin materials, but we wanted to use as little virgin material as possible. We tested several blends, and in the end, we found the right balance.” When Wenky looks back on the product development, there is one thing that makes her extra proud. "I love that we give materials new life as beautiful home furnishing products in our customers' homes!"