What is upcycling?
Recovering materials and objects and giving them a new use
Upcycling is part of the vision of a circular economy and consists of recovering materials or products that we no longer use in order to transform them into products of superior quality or utility. In other words, it's recycling "from the top down".
The term "upcycling" was coined in 1994 by Reiner Pilz, a former German engineer turned interior designer.
In Switzerland, FREITAG is the most widely known brand in this field. This pioneering company has been upcycling truck tarpaulins for almost 30 years.
This innovative company has been recognised far and wide in the field of design, and its product range has expanded considerably since its beginnings.
The development of upcycling has been helped by the growth of open source philosophy, fab-labs, repair cafés and DIY initiatives (do it yourself). These have become increasingly popular since the 2000s, both in response to current challenges and as part of a search for meaning on the part of younger generations.
Upcycling has recently been gaining a foothold in the craft, design and art worlds, and is now the focus of viable economic projects such as business creation, start-ups and social reintegration initiatives.
The Patagonia brand, founded 50 years ago, is a pioneer in the ethical and eco-design of leisure and sports clothing and equipment. Its aim has always been to cause as little environmental impact as possible. Whether it's taking back or repairing purchased clothing, using textiles made from recycled PET, or producing a range of products from recycled textiles, Patagonia's commitment has always been hailed as exemplary.
Circular Economy
Many of the objects we own are considered to be 'waste' as soon as they are no longer in use and/or are damaged. This is known as the "linear" economy. Yet these objects (practical, decorative, furniture etc.) still have potential. In a "circular" economy, they are recycled rather than thrown away, and upcycling is one way of doing this.
The 3 R…
Switzerland has one of the highest levels of waste production per capita in the world. By taking simple actions, we can help to reduce this rate. The 3Rs approach helps to preserve natural resources and reduce CO2 emissions, while supporting the local economy (source: Municipal energy and climate plan - Etat de Vaud).
1. Reduce waste
2. Reuse by offering a second life to the product by giving it away or refurbishing it
3. Recycle by recovering materials and using them as raw materials to make new products or, better still, Upcycle by giving a new use and higher value to used materials and objects.
