The first national conference on reuse in Nantes: a new era for the circular economy
“It makes sense for the Nantes Métropole region to host this Reuse Conference,” said Francky Trichet, vice president in charge of innovation at Nantes Métropole. “We launched the ‘Nantes, Land of Reuse’ initiative because reuse connects different sectors—from textiles to construction, including local resource centers. We’re very proud that local stakeholders are also getting involved with Rcube.”
Establishing an Investment Fund
For more than ten years, Rcube has been bringing together industry professionals around three core principles: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The association now includes 400 partners, representing more than 2 billion euros in revenue and 10,000 jobs. “Our mission is clear: to extend the lifespan of products and materials,” explains Benoît Varin, co-founder of Rcube, a professional federation for Reuse and Repair. The event in Nantes will also serve as an opportunity to announce the creation of an investment fund dedicated to Reuse—a first in France.
Achieve a 30% Reuse rate by 2030
The numbers speak for themselves: the secondhand market is estimated at 105 billion euros, and 64% of French people already buy used products. Yet the overall reuse rate does not exceed 1%. The federation’s stated goal is ambitious: to reach 30% by 2030. This challenge is commensurate with the environmental stakes: a reused product reduces the carbon footprint by 82% compared to a new one.
Nantes, a pioneer in Reuse
Beyond the numbers, this Reuse Conference aims to lay the groundwork for a national Reuse strategy, which does not yet exist. “Thanks to this event, we will begin developing this master plan, which is essential for structuring the sector,” continues Benoît Varin. Topics such as the right to repair, fair taxation, and certification of refurbished products will be at the heart of the discussions.
Rcube also advocates for the recognition of the RecQ label—Reconditionnement de Qualité—which has already been adopted by several major retailers, such as Orange, and is audited by Dekra. This label aims to guarantee the reliability and traceability of used products, much like the AB label in organic farming.
Finally, there is considerable potential in terms of employment. According to the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Reuse could generate more than 400,000 skilled jobs (compared with 370,000 currently) in France.
Nantes-based companies open their doors
In Nantes, this conference will demonstrate that Reuse is no longer just an option, but a concrete response to environmental and societal transitions and to the needs of the Nantes region. A large number of Nantes-based companies from all sectors are partners of the Reuse Conference and will open their doors for the event.
For Underdog, the challenge is twofold: accessing this market—with only 2% of these products currently being refurbished—and creating local jobs. The appliance refurbishment company already employs 40 people in Nantes.
“This conference will help us see how we can contribute to bringing jobs back to the region,” says Philippe Courtaud, director of the Cyneo technical center, which facilitates the reuse of construction materials and already brings together 160 stakeholders.
Other Nantes-based companies to check out at the conference include: Redeem-medical (prosthetics), Altkin (cartridge reuse), Joulenvrac (bicycle and scooter batteries), Kignon (biscuit manufacturer), La Poste, and Bouge ta Frip’ (thrift store).
>If you’d like to join us on a tour of Nantes-based Reuse companies, sign up!
Take part in the learning expedition and visit Nantes-based companies in the Reuse sector
Do you have a project in the field of Reuse or the circular economy and want to explore the Nantes ecosystem, its infrastructure, and visit local businesses? The Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement agency is offering a two-day immersion program on November 26 and 27, 2025.
The Nantes-Saint-Nazaire region has emerged as a true testing ground for reuse and the circular economy, where innovation and cooperation are shaping the sustainable models of tomorrow.
On November 26 and 27, entrepreneurs, local governments, and committed stakeholders are invited to experience a unique immersion in Nantes’ Reuse ecosystem.
On the agenda for the first day:
- Tours of pioneering companies such as Cynéo, Bat’Ipac, and Bout’ à Bout’,
- Inspiring pitches from players in the fashion, digital, and food industries (Hedj, Artefact, Modixia, Largo, Kignon…)
- Networking opportunities at Les Écossolies, a true catalyst for the social and solidarity economy.
On the agenda for the second day:
On November 27, the National Reuse Conference, organized by RCube, will take place. Roundtable discussions, B2B meetings, and case studies will be the highlights of this day dedicated to practical solutions for accelerating the circular economy.
The team at the Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement agency offers you a unique opportunity to understand the drivers of Reuse, connect with the right people, and find inspiration in a region where sustainable economic practices are part of everyday life.
