New sharing hub Rentukka LOOP opens on 14 September 2026

Community, Housing, Kortepohja, News, Sustainability / 7.9.2026

A new community-based lending service, Rentukka LOOP, will open in Jyväskylä this September. Launching on Monday, 14 September 2026, the service aims to make everyday items more accessible while promoting sustainable consumption and community engagement.

Through Rentukka LOOP, students and local residents can borrow a wide range of items, including furniture, household essentials, tools, sports equipment, and event supplies. The service has been designed especially to support international students who often need basic household items when moving into a new home. At the same time, it offers useful resources for student associations, hobbyists, and all residents of the Jyväskylä area.

An easy way to borrow the things you need

LOOP operates through a digital platform that makes browsing and reserving items simple and convenient. Most of the available items are included in an affordable membership, while some products can also be rented without membership.

Members have access to a wider selection of tools and household items, most of which are included in the membership fee of just a couple of euros. Items are reserved through the digital platform and collected from the service point located on the ground floor of Rentukka. Guidance on how to use the items is also available when needed.

A strong volunteer community behind the service

Volunteers were recruited for Rentukka LOOP during August, and the level of interest exceeded all expectations. Nearly 50 volunteers signed up within a few days, and over ten of them have been selected for lead volunteer roles.

These volunteers will play an important role in running and developing the service together with staff from the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) and Soihtu. Their contribution is essential in building a vibrant community and ensuring that the service meets the needs of students and local residents alike.

The vision for LOOP goes beyond lending items. The aim is to create a community hub that hosts workshops, events, and opportunities for sharing practical skills and knowledge. The first step in this direction has already been taken, as Korjauskylä (Repair Village) began operating at Rentukka in August 2026.

Working together for a more sustainable everyday life

Rentukka LOOP has been developed through collaboration between the Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY), Soihtu, and the Sovatek Foundation. The service is being further developed as part of the international Good Cities Interreg Europe project, in which the City of Jyväskylä is also a partner.

The goal of the service is to give people in Jyväskylä access to shared resources, reduce unnecessary consumption and waste, and strengthen local community life. Rentukka LOOP is a non-profit initiative. Membership and rental fees are used to cover the operating costs of the lending service and to acquire new items for community use.