What is the upcycling ?

Do you know the adage "nothing is lost, everything is transformed"? This is what the upcycling method. Also translated as "overcycling" or "upcycling," upcycling means "recycling from above." In short, this method consists of recycling the old by transforming it into something newer, with the aim of conserving the raw material used. This practice has become very popular 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, why?

THE principle of upcycling is to be able to preserve materials that have not been used or are no longer needed in order to create other objects or products of higher quality. As its translation indicates, we "upgrade" the material, and therefore, we move upmarket. Upcycling can be used with several materials:

· The wood

· Plastic

· The fabric

· The cardboard

Given that 4 million tonnes of clothing waste are thrown away each year in Europe, and that the majority of these clothes end up incinerated, this method proves to be an excellent opportunity to transform the way we "recycle" materials.

An upcycled item is a unique and rare object: you will have the opportunity to benefit from an original and totally unique item. The opportunity for you to own original objects while respecting our environment.

How can it be differentiated from traditional recycling?

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

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

The same goes for tires: transform them into baskets or poufs. These are the perfect shape for these uses.

The origins of this practice

It was in the 90s that the principle of upcycling began to emerge: Reiner Pilz is one of the pioneers of upcycling. The latter, then an interior designer, was against recycling, which he considered destructive and unproductive. It was then that he proposed upcycling so that useless products could be transformed into something better. A good way to conserve material and not waste anything: it is mainly in developed countries that the principle of upcycling was established and gained popularity.

Some examples of upcycled products

Since this practice appeared on the market, many sectors have been able to seize the opportunity to transform cheap materials. This is particularly the case in the world of textile, with the manufacture of cushions, covers, bags or hot air balloon fabrics from recycled materials, as is done very well Bilum House.Some workshops have also opted for upcycling by reworking surplus wood to create high-end furniture.

Upcycling is therefore an alternative to recycling, which, although good for the environment because it doesn't go to waste, isn't very useful or productive. Upcycling is becoming increasingly popular, so much so that many luxury brands are adopting this type of method in the manufacture of their products. All that's left is for you to find the upcycled products of your dreams, or even better, make them yourself!