Sustainability has become much more than just a trend. It has become a necessity and is now considered good practice for companies. The furniture industry is faced with the challenge of reducing resource waste and environmental impact. Lyght Living, an innovative company based in the Frankfurt area, offers an eco-friendly solution based on the concept of renting furniture instead of buying. A recent broadcast on ZDF highlights how Lyght Living is revolutionizing furniture consumption by promoting a circular economy.
The Problem of Disposable Mentality
In Germany, there is a concerning trend when it comes to dealing with discarded furniture. Approximately 100 million new pieces of furniture are purchased each year, with a staggering 50 million ending up directly in bulky waste disposal. Only 10% of furniture is recycled. These numbers highlight a deeply rooted disposable mentality in society, which not only represents a significant waste of valuable resources but also imposes a substantial burden on the environment.
Lyght Living recognizes this problem and has made it their mission to counteract it with an innovative approach. The company is leading with a sustainable business model aimed at significantly extending the lifecycle of furniture. Lyght Living addresses the core issue of excessive resource consumption directly by refurbishing furniture pieces after use instead of disposing of them, preparing them for re-rental. This approach provides a sustainable alternative to conventional purchasing behavior and makes a substantial contribution to waste reduction and the conservation of natural resources.
The initiative by Lyght Living is a significant step toward a more environmentally conscious future, demonstrating how positive changes can be brought about through creative solutions and a shift in societal mindset. By promoting a circular economy where furniture is reused and refurbished multiple times, the company is making a strong statement against the disposable mentality and advocating for responsible resource management.
Lyght Living: A Sustainable Alternative
The report aired on ZDF sheds light on the daily work of Lyght Living, a company that has made a name for itself by renting designer furniture. This approach provides an innovative and sustainable alternative to the traditional purchase of furniture. The documentary begins with the delivery of rental furniture and vividly illustrates how Lyght Living manages to bring variety and a breath of fresh air into its customers’ homes.
We rent out pretty much everything that can be moved. So, all movable furniture and also electrical items. We even once rented out a doghouse ten years ago, so essentially we have nothing that we don’t rent out, which belongs to a furnished apartment, a furnished house, or an office.
Daniel Ishikawa, Managing Director at Lyght Living
A compelling example of the benefits of this service is provided by Boris Bandyopadhyay, an interior designer who uses Lyght Living to regularly redesign his own living space. For him, renting furniture instead of buying is not just a matter of practical utility, but also a means to present flexible and innovative room concepts to his clients. The ability to exchange furniture as needed allows Boris to follow trends and use his living space as a dynamic showroom without making long-term financial or ecological commitments.
These furnishings provide me with the opportunity to try things out relatively quickly without making a strong commitment. That’s the beauty of renting furniture instead of buying. If I were to buy the table and chair, it would cost a few hundred euros or even a few thousand euros, depending on the item. This way, it’s easy, without the hassle of disposal or resale.
Boris Bandyopadhyay, a customer of Lyght Living
The initiative by Lyght Living challenges the traditional notion that furniture must be permanent acquisitions. Instead, it offers a flexible solution that meets the needs of modern consumers while aligning with sustainable living practices. By providing customers like Boris Bandyopadhyay with the ability to refresh their furnishings regularly without leaving a negative ecological footprint, Lyght Living positions itself as a pioneering company at the intersection of design, innovation, and sustainability.
Repair and Re-rental: A Cycle of Sustainability
Lyght Living has established a business model that goes far beyond mere furniture rental. The company is committed to a sustainable cycle that not only benefits the environment but also extends the lifespan of the furniture pieces. At the end of the rental period, the furniture is not simply discarded. Instead, Lyght Living ensures that it is collected and carefully refurbished for re-rental. Even minor damages, such as upholstery scratches, are professionally repaired during this process. This ensures that the furniture remains in perfect condition and is ready for its next use.
What happens if there’s an accident with a rented furniture piece from Lyght Living?
No problem at all, accidents can happen during daily use. We’ll take care of it. Our furniture is insured for the entire rental period. This gives the customer a good feeling knowing they don’t have to worry if something like that happens. We’ll pick up the chair today, repair and refurbish it at our warehouse, and then it will be reintegrated into the rental cycle.
Tanja Traut, Lyght Living
This practice of repairing and re-renting creates an efficient cycle that significantly contributes to sustainability. The furniture goes through multiple rental cycles, reducing the need to purchase new furniture and thereby significantly decreasing associated environmental impacts. This approach reflects a deep understanding of the urgency to reconsider our consumption habits and actively seek ways to extend the lifespan of products.
Lyght Living is making a significant contribution to environmental protection and demonstrating that it’s possible to align economic interests with ecological responsibility. The approach of repair and re-rental illustrates how businesses can actively contribute to waste reduction and conservation of natural resources through innovative business models. By advancing these practices, Lyght Living positions itself as a pioneer in promoting a circular economy that is crucial for the future of our planet.
Customized Solutions and Flexibility
Lyght Living distinguishes itself through its comprehensive understanding of the individual needs of its customers and offers tailored solutions that go beyond traditional furniture rental. The company appeals to a broad audience, including foreign professionals, commuters, diplomats, and students. For each of these groups, the company develops specially tailored furniture packages that fulfill practical utility as well as aesthetic demands. This flexibility allows customers to customize their living and workspaces according to personal preferences without the need for long-term commitments.
Roughly, one can calculate an average of around €150 per month for a 1 to 2-room apartment over a period of about 2 years. However, we can also customize and adjust the cost according to the customer’s budget and needs.
Tanja Traut, Lyght Living
A special advantage of Lyght Living’s service is the effortless return of furniture after use. Customers like Boris, an interior designer who regularly stages his apartment anew, and businesses like Remco Rehberg’s, which require flexible office solutions, appreciate the ability to simply rent furniture and return it after use without the usual effort of resale or disposal. This straightforward process not only saves time and effort but also promotes a sustainable lifestyle by breaking the cycle of buying and discarding.
Lyght Living recognizes the importance of flexibility in the modern world and adjusts its services accordingly. By considering and addressing individual needs, the company enables its customers to dynamically and sustainably design living and working spaces. Providing customized solutions underscores Lyght Living’s commitment to offering more than just furniture rental, but also delivering added value through adaptability and service orientation.
Local Sourcing and Quality Assurance
A key feature of Lyght Living is its strong emphasis on sustainability and quality, achieved through the deliberate selection of furniture that predominantly originates from Europe. This strategy not only reflects a commitment to higher quality standards but also significantly contributes to reducing the company’s environmental footprint. By prioritizing short supply chains, Lyght Living minimizes the CO2 emissions associated with transportation, directly contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
Furthermore, local sourcing of furniture enables faster and more efficient handling of repairs and the provision of spare parts. This proximity to manufacturers not only ensures the durability of furniture through timely maintenance and repairs but also supports Lyght Living’s overarching goal of offering products that promote a reuse cycle. By closely collaborating with predominantly European suppliers, Lyght Living ensures that the furniture meets high standards necessary for multiple rentals while also contributing to the European economy.
The choice of local sourcing and quality assurance underscores Lyght Living’s commitment to sustainable business practices. It demonstrates how responsible decisions in procurement and supply chain management can yield positive effects for the environment, economy, and end consumers. These practices are key to achieving a sustainable future and position Lyght Living as a leader in the furniture rental industry.
Conclusion
Lyght Living impressively demonstrates how furniture rental, instead of buying, not only provides a practical and flexible alternative to furniture ownership but also makes a significant contribution to environmental protection. The ZDF feature underscores the importance of sustainable business models in the furniture industry and highlights how Lyght Living, with its innovative approach, is leading the way toward an environmentally conscious future.
Do you have any questions about furniture rental instead of buying? Our team is here to help! You can reach us via email at [email protected], by phone at +49 (0) 69 460 99 809 (Germany) or +41 (0) 41 539 11 44 (Switzerland). You can also follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram. We look forward to hearing from you!
