ᐅ How can the assembly of IKEA Brimnes furniture be made more sustainable?

Created on: 2 Feb 2023 08:12
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dalela
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dalela
2 Feb 2023 08:12
Hello everyone,

I am currently exploring how to make the assembly of IKEA’s Brimnes series more sustainable. I am not only referring to the choice of materials or production methods but also to the assembly process itself—how to make both assembly and disassembly more environmentally friendly and resource-efficient. For example, I am thinking about using more durable screws or modular improvements to enhance reusability. Additionally, I am interested in how to minimize waste during assembly and possibly support more eco-friendly packaging.

Does anyone have practical experience or ideas on how to plan and carry out the Brimnes furniture assembly in a more targeted sustainable way? Where are the greatest opportunities for improvement without compromising user-friendliness?

I look forward to constructive discussions and helpful tips!
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nojaus
2 Feb 2023 09:47
Hello dalela,

I think your topic is really important, especially since IKEA furniture is often affordable but doesn’t always represent sustainable construction.

Regarding the sustainable assembly of the Brimnes: one approach could be to deliberately reuse screws and fittings multiple times instead of discarding them after just one assembly. I often notice that these small metal parts get lost or damaged during moving or disassembly – so maybe a special storage solution for the screws would be helpful.

Also, I believe the instructions could be made even more sustainable by offering digital, interactive versions with tips on waste reduction. This way, users could better understand and implement re-use and recycling.
dalela schrieb:
Does anyone here have practical experience or ideas on how to plan and carry out Brimnes furniture assembly in a more sustainable way?

I think with greater awareness of resources during assembly, many small steps could help. Perhaps others would like to share their experiences as well?
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Deandre
3 Feb 2023 14:36
Hello dalela and everyone,

I think the question is very well posed because it not only challenges major manufacturers but also considers us as end users.

For the sustainable assembly of the Brimnes furniture, I would generally recommend the following points:

- Use reusable tools and avoid single-use materials during assembly
- Carefully separate packaging materials, wood shavings, and plastics to enable proper recycling
- Plan whether individual modules can be replaced or upgraded separately instead of discarding the entire piece of furniture
- Store screws securely, for example by using small bags or magnetic screw holders, so nothing gets lost and does not need to be repurchased
nojaus schrieb:
Zum nachhaltigen Aufbau des Brimnes: Ein Ansatz könnte sein, wirklich gezielt Schrauben und Beschläge mehrfach zu verwenden, statt sie nach einmaliger Montage zu verwerfen.

Exactly! Our valuable resources are not only the furniture itself but every small connecting piece. Perhaps IKEA should offer such parts as more economical and durable sets in the future.

Personally, during multiple moves, I have always tried to collect all screws and small parts in containers and carefully check everything for damage before reassembling. This significantly extends the lifespan of the furniture.

Could assembly instructions not also focus more on sustainability criteria? That would help us as users to act more consciously.
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PULAU
4 Feb 2023 11:03
Regarding the sustainable construction of the IKEA Brimnes series, there are several technical and organizational details to consider in order to save resources and reduce environmental impact:

- Material savings through modular design: If IKEA designs the Brimnes models so that individual parts are easier to replace and upgrade, defective or worn sections can be exchanged instead of having to buy entirely new furniture.

- Longer service life through higher quality standards for screws and connectors: Durable metal components extend lifespan and reduce wear.

- Optimizing packaging materials: Reducing the amount of plastic used and instead relying more on recycled cardboard, which can also be easily reused.

- Assembly instructions targeted at waste reduction, for example by providing guidance on what to do with leftover parts.
Dalela schrieb:
beim Aufbau Abfall vermeiden und eventuell umweltfreundlichere Verpackungen unterstützen kann.

Packaging is often an underestimated factor, as many people focus only on the product itself when it comes to furniture. However, manufacturing and shipping are highly optimized in this area, and small steps can have a significant impact.

Anyone who wants to make the Brimnes assembly more sustainable should therefore consider all phases from delivery through installation to potential reuse.