kringloop

Kringloop is a Dutch term that denotes the cycle of goods through reuse and recycling, and in everyday usage refers to venues and activities that collect, sort, and resell second‑hand items. The term originates from Dutch language and culture and encompasses both the broader idea of a circular economy and the specific network of kringloopwinkels, thrift stores run as social enterprises or charities.

Kringloopwinkels are typically charitable organizations or social enterprises that invite donations of clothing, furniture, books, and household goods. Donated items are brought in, assessed, sorted, sometimes repaired or upcycled, and then priced and sold to the public. Staff and volunteers may manage intake, quality control, pricing, and customer service. The stores operate at various scales, from neighborhood shops to larger centers, and often cooperate within regional reuse networks.

Revenue is usually used to fund social programs such as employment training, shelter, or community services. Advocates of kringloop emphasize environmental benefits, including extending the life of products, reducing waste, and decreasing demand for new resources. The model supports informal employment, volunteering, and social inclusion, but also faces challenges such as donations quality, inventory management, and competition with mainstream retailers.

Beyond physical shops, the kringloop concept also appears in online platforms, repair workshops, and local swap events, all contributing to a longer material lifecycle.

In the Netherlands and Belgium, kringloop initiatives are widespread and form an entrenched part of the waste management and social welfare landscape.