What is the upcycling ?

Do you know the saying “nothing is lost, everything is transformed”? In any case, that is what the upcycling method shows us. Also translated as “surcycling” or “upcyclage,” upcycling means “recycling upwards.” In short, this method involves recycling old items by turning them into something newer, with the goal of preserving the raw material used. This practice has been very much in vogue in recent years: it is now seen as a real trend in the world of the circular and ethical economy.

The principle of upcycling: for whom, and why?

The principle of upcycling is about preserving materials that have not been used or are no longer needed so they can be turned into other higher-quality objects or products. As the translation suggests, the material is “upgraded,” and therefore moved upmarket. Upcycling can be used with several materials:

· Wood

· Plastic

· Fabric

· Cardboard

Knowing that 4 million tonnes of textile waste are thrown away every year in Europe, and that most of these clothes end up being incinerated, this method proves to be an excellent opportunity to transform the way we “recycle” materials.

An upcycled object is a unique and rare object: you will have the chance to own something original and totally one of a kind. A great opportunity to have original items while respecting the environment.

How is it different from traditional recycling?

When we recycle, the product is transformed into something similar: its quality is neither worse nor better. Upcycling aims to significantly improve the quality of the recycled product. In addition, recycling involves an energy- and water-intensive transformation process. Upcycling a material will not chemically transform the objects, and it will cost nothing. It is therefore both an ethical and responsible solution.

You can also upcycle yourself: it will help you save money. For example, you can create pallet furniture for your garden or your home. Many stores get rid of pallets: a golden opportunity to put your artistic talents to the test!

The same goes for tires: turn them into a basket or an ottoman. Their shape makes them ideal for these uses.

The origins of this practice

It was in the 1990s that the principle of upcycling began to emerge: Reiner Pilz was one of the pioneers of upcycling. He, then an interior designer, was against recycling, which he considered destructive and unproductive. He then proposed upcycling so that useless products could be turned into something better. A good way to preserve materials and waste nothing: it was mainly in developed countries that the principle of upcycling took hold and grew in popularity.

Some examples of upcycled products

From the moment this practice appeared on the market, many industries saw the opportunity to transform inexpensive materials. This is especially true in the textile world, with the making of cushions, covers, bags, or balloon fabrics from recovered materials, as Maison Bilum does very well. Some workshops have also turned to upcycling by reworking wood leftovers to create high-end furniture.

Upcycling is therefore an alternative to recycling, which, although good for the environment because nothing is wasted, is not very useful or productive. Upcycling is becoming increasingly trendy, so much so that many luxury brands are adopting this kind of method in the manufacture of their products. All that is left for you to do is find the upcycled products of your dreams, or even better, make them yourself!