Mueblea specialises in restoring office furniture and is one of the few companies in Colombia to provide its clients with certificates of reuse. This allows businesses to track and share their sustainability efforts while promoting circular economy principles.  Every month, Mueblea reconditions over 1,500 pieces of furniture. To do so, it hires a skilled workforce of painters, carpenters, upholsterers, welders, and warehouse assistants, over 63% of whom are migrants, people over 50, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.  

The enterprise ensures formal employment contracts, stable wages, job security, and access to quality training opportunities in a sector characterised mainly by informal, seasonal jobs. By ensuring 70% of the materials it uses are reclaimed, Mueblea reduces the need for new materials like wood and metal. The result is significant savings on water, fuel and natural resources, reducing biodiversity loss in natural environments. Over the past nine years, Mueblea has repurposed more than 890 tons of metal, 740 tons of wood, and 90 tons of plastic through its innovative circular model. This firm commitment to reuse and sustainability has avoided the use of almost 1,700 tonnes of fossil fuels and saved over 5,000 tons of CO2 emissions.    

"At Mueblea, we are dedicated to renewing and transforming office spaces using reused and refurbished furniture and second-hand raw materials, giving used furniture a new life. Being part of NESsT's portfolio motivates us to build a stronger growth strategy and strengthen our social impact model, with the aim of encouraging more companies to join a truly circular economy."  
– Catalina Sánchez, CEO of Mueblea.  

Programme support   

Through the South America Accelerator Programme with NESsT, we'll support Mueblea in further streamlining its operations, enhancing its digital presence, and expanding its business model to new regions in Colombia. IKEA co-workers will provide specific assistance in digital marketing, helping Mueblea take a step further in the e-commerce sector.  

As part of its expansion, Mueblea will launch an artisan training programme in collaboration with local educational centers.  This initiative responds to both a growing shortage of qualified workers in these areas and a high unemployment rate among migrants and people over the age of 50. We look forward to supporting Mueblea as it strengthens its workforce while contributing to improved livelihoods in communities across Colombia.