Design for circularity: when old washing machines find a new purpose

The idea is as simple as it is meaningful: instead of sending used materials directly to recycling, we give them a new purpose. Washing machine drums, once at the heart of our appliances, are carefully dismantled, cleaned and reimagined. The result: the Adora Pouf and Adora Table – compact, versatile and crafted with care. Each piece offers discreet storage and a distinct character, bringing both functionality and history into the home.

This transformation is made possible through strong local partnerships. The journey begins at the Gemeinnützige Gesellschaft Zug (GGZ), where the machines are disassembled with precision. From there, Swiss specialists – Spritzwerk Rotkreuz, Der Sattler and Buchmann & Britschgi – contribute their expertise in powder coating, upholstery and woodwork. Every step takes place in Switzerland, ensuring quality, traceability and regional value creation. With our Repurpose products, we continue to close the loop.

A circular vision

The Repurpose products are part of V-ZUG’s broader commitment to the circular economy – a shift from linear consumption to a model where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Alongside Re-pair, Re-use, Re-circle and Re-furbish, Re-purpose is one of the five “R-strategies” guiding the company’s sustainability journey. By extending the life of components and reducing waste, V-ZUG is actively contributing to a more resource-efficient future – one that values longevity, quality and thoughtful design.

Design statements with a story

With their sleek forms and practical functions, the Adora Pouf and Adora Table fit effortlessly into modern living spaces, offices or showrooms. But they’re more than just pieces of furniture – they’re reminders that sustainability can be both beautiful and impactful.

Closing the Circle

As part of its long-term sustainability strategy, V-ZUG places a strong focus on the principles of the circular economy. While this transformation is still in its early stages, the company is committed to steadily advancing along this path. Implementing circular practices takes time and careful planning – but for V-ZUG, it is a necessary and strategic step toward reducing the environmental impact of its business activities. One of the first milestones in this journey is the shift from simply recycling end-of-life household appliances to systematically dismantling them. This approach allows for the separation of pure material streams, enabling high-quality reuse and recycling while significantly reducing the company’s ecological footprint. 

The circular economy is guided by a set of R-strategies – principles that V-ZUG actively applies. These include: 

Re-pair: Whenever possible, we repair our appliances to extend their lifespan and maintain reliable performance. To support this commitment, we offer spare parts for up to 15 years after the end of production. 

Re-use: Direct reuse of components such as counterweights. 

Re-circle: Keeping materials in the loop by returning them to suppliers, for example polypropylene bases. 

Re-furbish: Restoring entire appliances to working condition and giving them a second life. 

Re-purpose: Assigning new functions to materials that can no longer serve their original purpose. 

Through these initiatives, V-ZUG is not only extending the lifecycle of its products but also contributing to a more circular and sustainable economy. 

Read more about the Closing the Circle initiative on closingthecircle.vzug.com