OFFCUT

About OFFCUT

Since 2013, OFFCUT has been bringing together people who are committed to the creative reuse of materials, while networking like-minded people and sensitizing people to ecological design. In our materials markets, we collect used, leftover, and surplus materials that would otherwise end up in the garbage. We sort, store, and sell them as raw materials for new projects, thereby extending their useful life. OFFCUT is a creative response to the ecological challenges of our time. We appreciate the value of existing materials and inspire people to adopt a sustainable lifestyle.

All our materials markets are independently organized and, at the same time, part of the OFFCUT co-operative.

For more information: write us a message at info@offcut.notexisting@nodomain.comch or visit us at one of our materials markets.

Selected foreign-language media reports:

 

OFFCUT was launched in 2012 by its founders, Simone Schelker, Tanja Gantner, and Lucas Gross as a pilot project. Since 2013, there is our “Materials Market for Creative Reuse” in Basel. In 2014, following a pilot year, it moved to Dreispitz. And in 2021 it moved again to its current Dreispitz site.
In June 2018, we founded the OFFCUT Co-operative as an umbrella organization. Back: Silvan Kuhl, Mirja Fiorentino*, Simone Schelker*, Dominik Seitz*, Susanne Roser, Maurizio Degiacomi, Livia Krummenacher. Centre: Salome Thommen*, Anna Pfister, Tanja Gantner*, Volker Schnarrenberger. Front: Maren Stotz, Annina Massaux-Roost, Matthias Wehle, Simone Steinegger. (*Board OFFCUT Co-operative)
At the beginning of 2020, the third OFFCUT materials market opened on the Meinen-Areal, our location in Bern. In December 2021, it moved to its current location, the premises of the Warmbächli cooperative. Nicole Fuhrer, Sibylle Schelling, Regula Stucki, Matthias Nydegger, Claudia Meyr, Lilo Fritz, Mariann Oppliger, Beatrice Gugger (from left to right).
At the End of 2021, the fourth OFFCUT materials market opened in Lucerne. The market is located in the the city part Reussbühl and led by: Christa Vonesch, Bigna Suter, Mirjam Küttel, Cornelia Balsiger, Alessandra Degiacomi and Benjamin Kyburger (from left to right).

OFFCUT was launched in 2012 by its founders, Simone Schelker, Tanja Gantner, and Lucas Gross as a pilot project. Since 2013, there is our “Materials Market for Creative Reuse” in Basel. In 2014, following a pilot year, it moved to Dreispitz. And in 2021 it moved again to its current Dreispitz site.

Materials with Creative Potential

Our materials are as varied as their origins: companies donate us their production surpluses and defective products. Private individuals give us their unused materials. Theatre, film, and exhibition makers give us reusable materials from their projects. The result is a rich and constantly changing stock of materials – providing inspiration for future creative work!

Visit one of our material markets, let yourself be inspired by the wealth of available materials – and find the unexpected, or long sought-after items for your next project.

Various Inspiring Activities

Our inspiring collection of materials is the starting point for a creative dealing with ecological and sustainable topics. With a wide range of craft and design workshops, private guided tours, and co-operative formats, we encourage you to discover the variety of materials and critically question the current use of resources. Our approach is based on sensual experiences and creative processes.

Our activities are aimed at families, school classes, associations, and organizations – in short: at all those who like to design and get involved in new things.

Donate us your materials and boost the recycling process.

Support and encourage us with a financial donation as a patron.

Get involved as Benevol member in one of our material markets.