Of the 2.5 million tonnes of furniture waste produced each year in France, only 2% is reused. This waste and the desire to contribute to an environmental approach, gave birth to the Tinty project in Axel Traineau’s head. This 31-year-old restaurateur, technically unemployed due to the health crisis, imagined a new entrepreneurial project that he wanted to be meaningful.
Surrounded by two associates, cabinetmaker and designer, he designed the first platform for customizing used furniture. Tinty offers second-hand furniture repaired, sanded and ready to be revamped according to individual tastes. They can choose design proposals made by the Tinty workshop or make them themselves using a customization kit. The platform will open in September 2022.
It will use an artificial intelligence algorithm proposing the looks according to each customer profile. It will also allow you to see, via your smartphone, the piece of furniture, from local recycling centers, in augmented reality in its interior. In the workshop, everything will be industrialized to hold prices: sandblaster, paint booth, quick drying.
Social commitment
Located in Sallertaine (Vendée), the 500 m2 workshop is working to start its stock with Recyc’la Vie in Soullans. In addition to the environmental commitment linked to the reuse of furniture, the start-up is committed to the social aspect: it will employ employees in integration supported by the Tripapyrus company in Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
To finance its activity, Tinty also offers on its marketplace, the direct sale of second-hand furniture, revamped or not, sold by professionals (second-hand dealers, antique dealers) or individuals. The young shoot takes a commission of 15 to 20% on sales.
Launched on its own funds and with bank assistance, Tinty is relying on crowdfunding to support its launch and make itself known: it wants to raise between 10,000 and 30,000 euros on Ulule by the end of July to equip the workshop, launch production and integrate the first employees in integration. Half has already been collected.
Created in 2021 and supported by Réseau Entreprendre Vendée, Tinty is aiming for an initial turnover of 150,000 euros for its first commercial year which will begin in September.
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