Brunssum unveils sustainable park benches made by workers distanced from the labor market
Residents of Brunssum can soon enjoy 20 unique park benches in Vijverpark, crafted from recycled materials by Relim employees. This initiative promotes sustainability, social inclusion, and local employment, with completion set for June 2026.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Vijverpark, Brunssum, Limburg |
| Number of benches | 20 unique park benches |
| Materials | Recycled hardwood (locally sourced) and 90% recycled steel |
| Manufacturer | Relim (social enterprise supporting labor market inclusion) |
| Project partners | Municipality of Brunssum, RD4 |
| Completion date | June 2026 |
| Social impact | Employees distanced from the labor market contribute to the project |
| Sustainability focus | Use of recycled materials and future-proof production methods |
The municipality of Brunssum is responsible for local infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring they are accessible, sustainable, and beneficial to the community. Relim, a social enterprise, collaborates with municipalities to provide employment opportunities for individuals distanced from the labor market while delivering high-quality products and services.
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Twenty unique park benches for Vijverpark
Major maintenance work is currently underway at Vijverpark in Brunssum. As part of this project, all park benches are being replaced. To achieve this, Relim and the municipality of Brunssum have launched a collaborative project to create socially produced park benches using recycled materials.
Relim is manufacturing 20 unique park benches for Vijverpark. This project combines sustainability, craftsmanship, and social inclusion. This week, Alderman Hugo Janssen of the municipality of Brunssum and Rob Bulles, Director of Relim, officially signed an agreement to this effect (see photo).
Recycled materials
The park benches are being made in a special way.
- The seating sections of the benches are made from hardwood that was locally collected in South Limburg by partner RD4 and is being reused for the Vijverpark project.
- In Relim’s wood workshop, the wood is given a second life and is expertly crafted into durable, comfortable seating elements.
- The metal frames are produced at Relim Metaal, where 90% of the steel used is already recycled.
Rob Bulles: “We are proud that the municipality of Brunssum has entrusted us with this assignment. It is a wonderful opportunity for our employees, people who are distanced from the labor market, to apply their craftsmanship to a visible project in the region. By working with recycled materials, we also contribute to a future-proof way of producing.”
Hugo Janssen: “What I love about this project is that the production of the park benches is carried out by employees who are distanced from the labor market. In doing so, the project directly contributes to social inclusion, participation opportunities, and regional employment.”
The new Vijverpark is set to be completed in June 2026, just in time for the 2026 Parade. Then, everyone can enjoy the view and nature from the new park benches.
About Relim
Relim supports people who are distanced from the labor market in finding a suitable place in society. With personal attention, expert guidance, and various workshops in South Limburg, Relim offers tailored solutions for participants and high-quality craftsmanship for clients. Relim provides specialized guidance, work-related day care, sheltered employment, and support toward regular employment, in close collaboration with municipalities, the UWV, care organizations, and SVO schools.