Addressing Skepticism: The Realities and Hurdles of Choosing Circular Contract Furniture

We believe in transparency. While the shift to circular design offers immense long-term value, choosing this path - Especially in the demanding contract and project environment comes with specific challenges that we believe must be addressed openly.

At Wehlers, we don't just sell furniture, we manage a certified, circular asset loop. This commitment sometimes results in trade-offs compared to traditional "fast furniture" models. Wehlers changes the World - One R.U.M.- Chair at the time & keep it circular.

 

Challenge 1: The Initial Investment (The Higher Price Tag)

The most immediate "disadvantage" is the higher initial purchase price compared to conventional, mass-produced furniture.

The Reality: We cannot compete on the lowest price because we refuse to compromise on the materials, certifications, and ethical sourcing required for genuine circularity.

  • Material Quality: Our products utilize high-grade, durable, and often recycled materials that are inherently more expensive to source, process, and certify than virgin alternatives.

  • Contract-Grade Build: Every piece is engineered for rigorous public and commercial use, minimizing replacement frequency.

  • Take-Back Guarantee: Our pricing incorporates the cost of our circular system, including the guarantee that we will reclaim and reuse the materials at the product's end-of-life.

  • Post consumer Plastics: The absolutely best way to use recycled plastics for  furniture is the use of "POST CONSUMER" plastics. Some will argue that production waste plastics should NOT be used, as it takes way the incentive for doing better in the form of less scrap. On the other hand post consumer plastics adds to the pice as many more steps need to be included. See an example here.

Wehlers' Mitigation: We frame this as a controlled Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). The investment secures long-term durability and eliminates future disposal liabilities, making the lifetime cost significantly lower and more predictable than cheap, disposable alternatives.

Challenge 2: Longer Lead Times and Inventory Constraints

For large-scale projects, procurement speed is critical. Because our production relies on verifiable, certified material streams and stringent quality checks, our lead times are often longer than distributors holding vast, non-certified warehouse stock. Currently the lead time is some 6 weeks, from order to delivery in Europe. Outside Europe Wehlers has the vison of establishing local supply chain when revenue passes mEUR 5. This supports lead times, and the circular economy efforts.

The Reality: Circular production is fundamentally different from linear, rapid manufacturing. We prioritize quality and transparency over speed. Custom projects, specific material finishes, or high-volume orders require precise planning and scheduling.

Wehlers' Mitigation: We partner with contract dealers, interior professionals and customers early in the design process to align production schedules with project timelines. We utilize modular designs and maintain a core inventory of high-demand items, but we insist on a pre-planned procurement schedule to mitigate project risk and ensure full certification documentation.

The R.U.M.- Chairs are made from post consumer recycled plastics and hold "no ugly substances" which can be seen in the surfaces of seats and backs. To most people a sign uniqueness. To others: "a sign of poor quality." In fact the R.U.M.- chairs are made of 2 types of materials ONLY, and will be up-cycled. Steel & Plastics.

Challenge 3: Integrating the Circular System (Complexity)

Moving from a simple "buy-dispose" model to a circular system can feel administratively complex. It involves accounting for future asset life, tracking materials, and managing the take-back process.

The Reality: Implementing a circular strategy requires a shift in procurement thinking and process management. It’s an investment in future-proofing your company’s assets and ESG compliance.

Wehlers' Mitigation: We handle the complexity for you. We provide comprehensive asset tracking documentation and clear end-of-life protocols. Our dedicated project team manages the entire circular loop, ensuring effortless compliance and allowing you to report verifiable, positive environmental impact without the administrative burden.

 

Our Promise: Transparency Earns Trust

The "disadvantages" of choosing Wehlers are the direct result of our commitment to quality, durability, and a genuine circular economy. The care for "what happens after use" is often not on the agenda, in a purchasing process. We prefer to address these hurdles upfront, ensuring our partners are fully informed and confident that they are making a long-term, responsible investment.

Ready to discuss your project's specific challenges and how Wehlers mitigates them?

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