12. Artek 2nd Cycle
What it Is:
Artek, a high-end iconic Finnish manufacturer of furniture goes to flea markets and the internet to buy back its own vintage products from consumers. They fixed the products only when they were broken. A coded RFID tag is put at the bottom of the used product and then it is sold again as Second Cycle Artek. On the RFID tag the particular item’s history is recorded, sometimes dating back to the 1930’s. New owners can check this information by mobile phone or internet. They can also upload their own stories. And become part of the story itself, forever.
Why it's cool:
Science of the Time’s interpretation:
Here Cool Sustainability meets the latest generation of Experience Economy. Experience Economy is all about the marketing of the memorable experience. However, Experience Economy follows developments of its own. The first phase was about building flag ships, like the well-known Nike Towns. Right now it is about (far) more Authentic Experiences. Delivering experience you personally relate to. That is what Artek’s story finding and telling does.
