Our story

Why do we exist? Why are we called Buurman? Who are we here for? Our story in a reusable nutshell.

A future without waste

Imagine a future where reuse is the norm. Where we treat our planet more intelligently and where local reuse of materials is the norm.

Our current way of producing, using, and disposing of materials is unsustainable. Especially in the construction and manufacturing sectors, we see enormous waste of valuable materials.

At Buurman, we're building a future without waste together. Everyone can learn to make with circular materials. We enable DIY enthusiasts to create with reclaimed wood. We help professional makers pioneer circular materials. And we support organizations in integrating sustainability.

We believe in the power of action. That's why at Buurman, we share circular knowledge, skills, and materials. At our Buurman locations, spread across Dutch and Belgian cities, we're literally and figuratively building a world without waste.

Join us. Make it circular. With Buurman.

Circular pioneers
Buurman Amsterdam opened its doors in 2025. It all began in 2015 when Buurman Rotterdam opened. Buurman Utrecht followed in 2019 at the Hof van Cartesius. In 2021, the first location in Belgium opened with Buurman Antwerp. In 2024, Buurman Arnhem-Nijmegen joined. In each of these cities, Buurman acts as a catalyst for circular transitions. We collaborate with municipalities, government agencies, demolition companies, recycling centers, and educational institutions. From our local circular hubs, we make local reuse a given.
Neighbor Collective
Buurman Amsterdam is part of the Buurman Collective. Our social franchise won the Dutch Circular Award in the Business category in 2024 in recognition of our approach: building a world without waste by making local reuse the norm. By 2030, we aim to open Buurman locations in at least 10 Dutch and Belgian cities. Start small, finish big.
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What we offer you

  • For the Do-it-yourselfer

    Buurman makes circularity easy and fun. Just pop in for that one plank or some good advice. You'll find unique, local, and affordable materials with character. In our workshops and courses, you'll have fun together with others and learn new skills.

  • For Professional Makers

    Buurman offers access to local, circular materials with a story. Ideal for distinguishing yourself as a maker. We're a reliable partner for unique pieces and small to large volumes of surplus stock. We're happy to help you find suitable materials for your projects. Our accessible hubs, with their inspiring atmosphere, often also serve as showrooms to motivate your customers to use circular materials.

  • For companies and organizations with circular ambitions

    Buurman offers concrete solutions and partnerships to make an impact and actively participate in the circular transition. We help organizations repurpose their waste streams. We share our pioneering knowledge and expertise through advice, presentations, and tours. And we jointly develop accessible circular education programs. Our corporate team-building activities are also an effective way to motivate your own supporters and get them on board with the circular movement.

Our core values

  • Circular entrepreneurship

    We operate with a mission: a world without waste. We're pioneers in the circular economy. By encouraging others to reuse, we make a real impact.

  • Doing and daring

    We believe in the power of action. By sharing knowledge, expertise, and tools, we empower everyone to make their own circular economy a reality. We learn by doing and by daring.

  • Including reuse

    We're accessible and approachable. Anyone can reuse: with Buurman, it's easy.

Jobs
Working at Buurman Amsterdam means helping to build a circular world. Will you join our team as a volunteer, intern, or employee?
Discover the internships and vacancies

Work together with Buurman Amsterdam