Multipurpose sharing stations
Smart sharing for everyday life
Multipurpose sharing stations are self-rental systems that provide access to a variety of consumers goods, including household appliances, DIY kits, fitness and more. These stations can be found mostly within indoor environments, such as libraries, retail shops, offices and residential buildings. Interested in learning more?
Circular Library Network
Example of European providers:
- Les Biens en Commun from Lyon, France.
- Library of Things from London, UK.
- Circular Library Network from Reykjavik, Iceland.
Consult our European Market Study
Library of Things
Why buy when you can borrow?
Library of Things (LoTs) are community spaces where people can borrow a variety of everyday items, including household appliances, sports equipment and DIY kits - applying the library model to goods. LoTs often offer additional services including repair workshops and advice on how to properly use the different goods. LoTs promote circular economy, sustainability and affordability principles.
Fritidisbanken
Examples in Europe:
- La BOM, Montreuil, France.
- Fritidisbanken, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- La Manivelle, Genève, Switzerland.
Library of Toys
Borrow, play, return - a sustainable way to access toys!
Toy libraries, also known as ludothèques in France or spielotheken in Germany, are community spaces where children and families can borrow toys, much like a traditional library lends out books. The service is designed to help families save money, reduce unnecessary toy purchases, and give children access to a diverse range of toys for endless play and discovery, making play more circular and sustainable.
Leksaksbiblioteket - Smarta Kartan
Examples in Europe:
- Leksaksbiblioteket, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Ludothèques, Paris, France
- Bristol Toy Library, Bristol, UK
Peer-2-Peer
Borrowing from your neighbour
Peer-2-peer sharing is the oldest and most common form of sharing. Many people already share informally with friends and families or through various social network groups. However, over the last few years, peer-to-peer sharing platforms have emerged to make borrowing and lending more accessible, secure and convenient. These platforms connect individuals who need an item with those who have it.
Peerby
Examples in Europe:
- Peerby, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Hygglo, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Poppins, Paris, France.
Small Retailers
Convenient access, right around the corner
Small retailers are increasingly offering affordable and convenient borrowing and rental services. This is particularly true for city-centre hardware stores. They are shifting a part of their business models from sales-only to new local access services. Some shops even offer free borrowing systems for larger tools, including drills and sanders. Users no longer need to buy, they can now have access.
ToolPool
Examples in Europe:
- ToolPool, Malmö, Sweden
- Karwei bouwmarkt, Amersfoort, Netherlands
- TeamSpirit Verleih, Hamburg, Germany
Retailers
Quality products, rental convenience
Large retailers are increasingly offering affordable and convenient rental services. This trend is called product-as-a-service. End-users can now access household appliances, DIY tools, outdoor gear, and more without having to buy them. Through a rental system, citizens can enjoy on-demand high-quality products without worrying about their maintenance.
Decathlon Rental
Examples in Europe:
- Decathlon Rental, United Kingdom.
- Location E.Leclerc, France.
- Houdini, Sweden.
Sports sharing stations
When sports meets convenience & circularity
Sports sharing stations are self-rental systems that provide access to sports and leisure equipment, usually free of charge for users. These stations are most commonly found in outdoor environments, in public spaces, sports venues, and playgrounds. Interested in learning more?
BoxUp
Example of European providers:
- EquipSport from Switzerland.
- SportBox from Germany.
- BoxUp from Switzerland.
Consult our European Market Study.
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Transcript
Multipurpose sharing stations
Smart sharing for everyday life
Multipurpose sharing stations are self-rental systems that provide access to a variety of consumers goods, including household appliances, DIY kits, fitness and more. These stations can be found mostly within indoor environments, such as libraries, retail shops, offices and residential buildings. Interested in learning more?
Circular Library Network
Example of European providers:
Consult our European Market Study
Library of Things
Why buy when you can borrow?
Library of Things (LoTs) are community spaces where people can borrow a variety of everyday items, including household appliances, sports equipment and DIY kits - applying the library model to goods. LoTs often offer additional services including repair workshops and advice on how to properly use the different goods. LoTs promote circular economy, sustainability and affordability principles.
Fritidisbanken
Examples in Europe:
Library of Toys
Borrow, play, return - a sustainable way to access toys!
Toy libraries, also known as ludothèques in France or spielotheken in Germany, are community spaces where children and families can borrow toys, much like a traditional library lends out books. The service is designed to help families save money, reduce unnecessary toy purchases, and give children access to a diverse range of toys for endless play and discovery, making play more circular and sustainable.
Leksaksbiblioteket - Smarta Kartan
Examples in Europe:
Peer-2-Peer
Borrowing from your neighbour
Peer-2-peer sharing is the oldest and most common form of sharing. Many people already share informally with friends and families or through various social network groups. However, over the last few years, peer-to-peer sharing platforms have emerged to make borrowing and lending more accessible, secure and convenient. These platforms connect individuals who need an item with those who have it.
Peerby
Examples in Europe:
Small Retailers
Convenient access, right around the corner
Small retailers are increasingly offering affordable and convenient borrowing and rental services. This is particularly true for city-centre hardware stores. They are shifting a part of their business models from sales-only to new local access services. Some shops even offer free borrowing systems for larger tools, including drills and sanders. Users no longer need to buy, they can now have access.
ToolPool
Examples in Europe:
Retailers
Quality products, rental convenience
Large retailers are increasingly offering affordable and convenient rental services. This trend is called product-as-a-service. End-users can now access household appliances, DIY tools, outdoor gear, and more without having to buy them. Through a rental system, citizens can enjoy on-demand high-quality products without worrying about their maintenance.
Decathlon Rental
Examples in Europe:
Sports sharing stations
When sports meets convenience & circularity
Sports sharing stations are self-rental systems that provide access to sports and leisure equipment, usually free of charge for users. These stations are most commonly found in outdoor environments, in public spaces, sports venues, and playgrounds. Interested in learning more?
BoxUp
Example of European providers:
Consult our European Market Study.