The construction industry is increasingly talking about circularity and reuse. At the same time, many actors are stuck in structures where the first choice is to demolish, discard and buy new, not to dismantle and reuse.
- Today, enormous values are wasted and we want to help change that," says Benny Magnusson, one of the people behind the incubator company Energismeden Re-Eko.
Since its launch in 2024, Energismeden Re-Eko has grown rapidly and interest in its services is high. For Benny Magnusson and Johan Sonne, the two founders, this means long and intense working days.
- "We're busy, but that's a good thing," says Johan, who divides his time between Re-Eko and a position at Dalarna University, where he teaches sustainability, among other things.
Cooperation agreements
Many people associate the reuse of building materials with building conservation, such as replacing a modern door in an older house with a second-hand door that matches the age of the house.
For Benny and Johan, recycling is so much more.
- "There are lots of used building materials that can be recycled, such as plasterboard, timber, bricks, ventilation systems, radiators and various hidden installations," explains Benny.
According to the company's definition, a used plywood panel is only recycled when it is in place in another building. But the industry is complex and in order to create new structures and new routines, all parts of the chain need to work.
- It is a challenge, but now we have signed cooperation agreements with several actors, says Benny, who is mainly driven by the knowledge that something can be done about the waste of resources in the industry.
- With the right methods, new structures and a different attitude, we can recover a lot of what is thrown away. Then we can simultaneously reduce the climate footprint, reduce waste and benefit society. The thing is, we have to start somewhere, we can't just sit and complain.
Strong team
Last fall, Re-Eko became part of Dalarna Science Park's incubator and since then Benny and Johan have had regular meetings with business coach Linnea Borgström.
She works a lot with circularity and is impressed by Re-Eko's development.
- Breaking patterns in a traditional industry is tough, but Re-Eko is well on its way. There is a clear business strategy and they have achieved a lot in a short time. I also think the timing is just right," she says.
- I also think it's good that Johan and Benny are quite different from each other and have different backgrounds. They complement each other very well, so together they become a strong team.
Although the two partners have known each other for many years, the coaching sessions have resulted in new insights, says Johan.
- When we have presented our ideas and thoughts to Linnea, we have also had to reflect on where we are and where we are going and whether we are on the same wavelength. It has been useful.
- Linnea and her colleagues are also very good at connecting us with people we could collaborate with or have exchanges with. We have also been made aware of issues that we did not know we should be working on, so even if we do not have time to use all the opportunities within the incubator, we get a lot out of being involved.
Focus on Dalarna
Earlier this spring, Re-Eko took over the operation of Dala Återbyggdepå from Borlänge Energi, so now there is a physical base for the building material that can be circulated.
The depot is located in Borlänge, in Islingby, and here you can buy windows, doors, timber, sinks, white goods, sinks, furnishings, garden stones, pipes and much more.
Most of the products are second-hand, but the range also includes new, surplus building materials from Re-Eko's partners.
- We plan to expand and bring in larger volumes and make it easier to find what you are looking for. Individuals already find us, so now we want to get more companies involved," says Johan.
Re-Eko's goal is to make Dalarna's construction industry self-sufficient in terms of reuse.
- By increasing circularity here in the county, we can also reduce the number of long transports," says Benny.
Energismeden Re-Eko is one of the companies participating in Dalarna Science Park's incubator program funded by the EU and Region Dalarna.
