Embracing sustainable practices: Upcycling in today’s circular economy

We all know the 3Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle -  like the back of our hand. But how familiar are you with upcycling?

It may sound like just another buzzword or new concept, but this term has actually been around since as early as 1994.

The term ‘upcycling’ was coined by German engineer, Reiner Pliz, during an interview, explaining how he views recycling. "I call recycling down-cycling. What we need is up-cycling, thanks to which old products are given a higher, not a lower, value."

Upcycling vs. Recycling: What’s the difference?

While most people think these two terms can be used interchangeably, they actually have two very different meanings.

Upcycling is the creative use of materials to create new products of greater value while maintaining the original material’s quality. Essentially, it’s taking something old or no longer in use and giving it a second lease of life.

On the other hand, recycling is the process of breaking down materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and remanufacturing them into brand-new products.

The key difference between both is that recycling involves breaking down materials while upcycling focuses on repurposing them.

If we’re going to throw reusing in the mix, it refers to the act of taking an old item and finding a new use for it instead of simply throwing it away. It’s not necessary to turn this into something new.

The benefits of upcycling

1. It contributes to efficient waste reduction and management

Upcycling is ultimately kinder to the earth and our natural resources.

Not only does it minimize the volume of discarded materials that would otherwise end up as waste in our landfills, it also lessens the demand for new products or raw materials, reducing carbon emissions significantly.

By reducing waste through upcycling efforts, we can conserve resources and lessen the strain on our landfills and waste management systems.

2. It is sustainable and cost-efficient

Upcycling significantly reduces production costs by decreasing material expenses and waste disposal fees while using existing materials in place of purchasing new ones.

In fact, it’s reported by revenue impact firm, MarketsandMarkets, that upcycling can be more affordable than purchasing new materials. In 2022 alone, the global Textile Recycling Market was valued at USD 6.9 billion and is predicted to reach USD 9.4 billion by 2027.

Extending the lifespan of existing materials and products by reusing them can help brands and businesses streamline their production processes and cut the time and resources needed to create new products, leading to considerable cost savings in the long run.

3. It adds value to a new product

Speaking of costs, did you know that upcycling can also increase profitability?

One might wonder why upcycled items available in the market typically command higher prices than mass-produced products. This is due to the time-consuming cleaning and sorting processes required.

More often than not, these products also require a specific set of technology, resources, and artisanship, and involve a labor-intensive process to be made. That’s why it would cost more than if the products were to be mass-produced and manufactured.

Due to their sustainable and unique nature, upcycled products can add value to any brand and potentially increase profits with time.

4. It fosters economic empowerment

Companies that champion upcycling through their brand ethos, production processes, and beyond can evoke real change by empowering communities through employment.

A 2020 study reveals that upcycled-based social creative businesses have the potential to make a huge impact on the local economy and their respective communities.

In countries like Malaysia, South Africa, and Brazil, there is a growing sector for upcycling social enterprises that are instrumental in directly supporting disadvantaged and rural communities.

Sealand, a South African-based lifestyle brand focused on creating outdoor gear and apparel from upcycled materials and ocean waste, employ individuals from underserved communities in Cape Town to create all their artisanal products by hand.

Moving over to Southeast Asia, the Malaysian social enterprise Biji-biji is dedicated to changing the country’s sustainability scene through educational courses and accelerator programs while providing volunteering and employment opportunities for the young Malaysian people. Their Beyond Bins community upcycling project aims to achieve a circular economy.

By tapping into the unique skill sets of these individuals, companies can provide them with job opportunities, which can lower unemployment rates and enhance livelihoods as a result.

5. It preserves culture and heritage

On a deeper level, upcycling initiatives promote craftsmanship and showcase the skill, knowledge, and years of experience that local artisans have gained to create such products.  

 Especially for corporations and brands that have cultural elements weaved into their upcycled products, this allows makers to not just preserve their heritage but also revive traditional and indigenous practices that may otherwise be considered dying art forms.

From traditional Indian block printing and handweaving in the Philippines, the list goes on. As upcycled goods gain recognition, they become a source of pride for the community, reinforcing their cultural identity

When you purchase an upcycled item, you also empower the artisans who made them and uplift the communities that preserve these traditions.

6. It can be an educational tool

When implemented on a local level, upcycling initiatives can provide learning opportunities for everyone.

 By hosting workshops, training sessions, seminars, and collaborative projects, such activities can raise awareness of environmental issues, promote sustainable practices in individuals, and educate the masses about the impact of waste and overconsumption.

This can inspire a new generation of mindful consumers and environmentally conscious individuals.

7. It supports long-term sustainable development

The very essence of upcycling teaches us how important it is to consider the impact of our choices in the long run.

When you upcycle old items or materials, you significantly reduce the demand for new raw materials and the amount of waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

When you use upcycled materials to create new products, you extend their life cycle and essentially transform them from trash to treasure.

 When you purchase an upcycled item, it promotes sustainable consumer habits and cultivates conscious buyers who appreciate the artisans behind their creations, and recognize the level of skill and labor involved.

Something as seemingly simple as upcycling can influence a community’s lifestyle and economy while creating a framework and foundation for long-term sustainable development.

 At the end of the day, it’s all about thinking of the bigger picture.

Upcycling in action:  The fashion industry & beyond

One of the areas where upcycling practices are most prominent is within the fashion industry.

In attempts to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and raise awareness of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, many global brands have adopted this practice for years, incorporating it not only in their production process but also into their brand ethos.

Patagonia is considered to be one of the pioneers of the circular economy movement since 1986 when it made its first sustainability commitment to pledging a portion of its sales or profits each year to environmental non-profit organizations.

Since then, they have launched numerous Environmental Responsibility Programs, including ReCrafted, a program that transforms old pieces of clothing that can no longer be repaired and would otherwise end up in a landfill into new garments and bags. “It’s premium Patagonia, upcycled,” as they say.

Many brands have followed suit in a collective effort to uphold their commitment to sustainability and to make eco-friendly practices like upcycling the norm within the fashion industry.

Even luxury brands like Miu Miu have joined the movement with their Upcyled by Miu Miu initiative launched in 2020, where they pay homage to the iconic nature of vintage fashion while promoting circular design practices, as well as Hermes’ sister line, Petit h, founded in 2010. This upcycling brand features objects crafted with upcycled luxury raw materials, designed by a team under the direction of Creative Director Godefroy de Virieu.

Other fashion brands that have successfully implemented upcycling initiatives also include EILEEN FISHER Renew, a circular design initiative that takes back old garments to be resold, donated, or upcycled into new designs; Newless, a bespoke upcycling service that turns anyone’s preloved clothes into one-of-a-kind pieces; SPUR, a Brooklyn-based service that renovates heirloom jewelry that you never wear into new pieces you’ll wear every day; and Re-store, a Singapore-based sustainable brand that upcycles discarded textiles and turns them into lifestyle products including bags and other accessories.

Although the fashion industry is one of the most notable outlets where upcycling is practiced, it can also be observed across different industries. Just like in IKEA’s Take-Back Programme which allows customers to return their furniture for repurposing, recycling, or upcycling, ultimately contributing to a circular economy.

These brands play an important role in amplifying the important message of sustainability through upcycling efforts and starting the conversation surrounding conscious consumerism.

Why upcycling matters in a circular economy

From consumers and communities, to businesses, everyone can benefit from a circular economy brought by sustainable initiatives.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the model of a circular economy is centered around three key aspects: eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating nature.

This emphasizes the continuous use of resources and prolonging the sustainable product life cycle for as long as possible, going against the grain in a conventional linear economy, which is all about mass production and often disregards the negative impacts on the environment.

When we adopt sustainable practices like upcycling in a circular economy, this drastically shifts the focus from extraction to regeneration, creating a closed-loop system where materials are reused, repurposed, and given new life, eventually minimizing waste and reducing the dependency on raw materials.

As we confront the challenges of waste and resource depletion, upcycling is a powerful tool that we can leverage. All businesses, regardless of industry or sector, can take steps to be proactive in adopting sustainable practices in their business operations.

At Zuno Carbon, we are committed to supporting your corporate sustainability efforts with our advanced end-to-end ESG solution, allowing businesses to measure carbon emissions, generate comprehensive ESG reports and set decarbonization targets. Book a demo with us today to find out how to get started.

Frequently AskedQuestions (FAQs)

1. What is upcycling vs. recycling?

Upcycling is often referred to as the creative use of materials to create new products while maintaining the quality of the original material, while recycling is the process of breaking down materials that would otherwise be thrown in our landfills and remanufacturing them into brand-new products.

The main difference is that recycling involves the breaking down of old materials while upcycling concentrates on repurposing them.

2. Is reusing the same as upcycling?

No, reusing and upcycling have two entirely different meanings. Reusing an item is simply taking an old item and finding a new use for it instead of throwing it away.

On the other hand, upcycling involves the“creative reuse” of old materials and transforming them into new products that are of higher value and quality.

3. What are three benefits of upcycling?

• Promotes efficient waste reduction and management: When there is less demand for new products and raw materials, we can conserve more resources and significantly reduce the strain on our landfills and waste management systems.
• Sustainable and cost-effective: Reusing existing resources can help businesses cut down the cost involved in sourcing new materials and products, which can result in substantial savings in the long run.
• An avenue for economic empowerment: Companies that adopt sustainable design practices such as upcycling can tap into the underserved sectors of society and provide employment opportunities for these individuals, which can in turn lower unemployment rates and enhance living standards.