| DON'T RECYCLE UPCYCLE |
| Written by Aaron Handford - Sunday, 06 June 2010 | |
Creating new products from waste materials or used items has three distinct benefits for manufacturers: it gives them access to free or inexpensive materials, it lends their products an aura of sustainability, and it provides embedded stories that sellers can share with consumers, and that consumers can share with their friends. Five examples of upcycling we recently spotted: 1. NARWAHL — Neckties have long been used to add individuality to menswear. California's Narwahl Co. is repurposing those distinctive designs by turning vintage ties into new accessories: wallets, business card holders, passport covers and wristwear, all priced in the USD 10 to USD 25 range. Each item is one of a kind, and can be bought from Narwhal's online store or at a growing number of retail outlets in the United States. 2. HELLO REWIND — Another company taking old garments and turning them into something new is Hello Rewind. Observing that it can be hard to discard a cherished old t-shirt even when it's worked its way to the back of the closet, Hello Rewind invites customers to send in their old tee and have it returned in the form of a custom laptop sleeve. The business supports RestoreNYC, an organisation helping sex trafficking survivors reintegrate into society.3. RECYCLING ZYCHAL — Clothes aren't the only household items that are ripe for repurposing. Philadelphia's Recycling Zychal takes the city's discarded umbrellas and fashions them into rain hoods, dog raincoats and cat toys stuffed with organic catnip. The dog coats are made to order after clients specify their umbrella choice and dog's size. Recycling Zychal invites people to donate broken umbrellas, and will make a donation to an animal refuge for each brolly they receive. 4. ESCAMA STUDIO — We saw them at Ethical Fashion Show in Paris and love what they do with aluminium ring-pull tabs! Staff in California and Brazil collaborate to make Escama's modern fashion accessories using traditional techniques. The flagship product line is a collection of bags, purses, accessories and jewellery made by crocheting together hundreds of tabs. Each item features a tag signed by the person who made it; the website features bios of the artisans and invites customers to send them a message.
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Comments (7)
Owner and founder
written by Ecologica, June 09, 2010
Love the UPCYCLE term and the article explains it well. How creative and innovative turning something discarded and ready for landfill, into something precious and loved.
We upcycle ugly!
written by Angie Arner, June 14, 2010
Upcycling is a word I've been spreading around like wild fire since the inception of my own brand, CounterCouture. We upcycle old bridesmaid dresses into sexy, modern dresses. It takes DIY and creative re-use to another level and I'm glad to know it's catching on.
broken umbrellas, more info, plz!
written by Julie Radnor, June 20, 2010
hello, where can I send my broken umbrellas to? I have about 5 that I would love to send to Recycling Zychal. What a great business model! Love the idea and the products, rock on recycling zychal!!!
Treasuring the Discarded
written by Carolyn Dawn, July 05, 2010
I am working on transforming my wearable art line existing since 1986 through thick and thin and changing trends. We now are helping women in transition and men released from prison by providing them a calm, meditative expereince as they make these wonderful creations to wear. People can be upcycled too.
July/August Upcycling Contest
written by Sarita Li, July 15, 2010
Thanks for the coverage on these cool companies!
The Landlocked Sailor is having an upcycling contest using jersey knit (you know, like T-shirt material) for anyone who wants to try their hand at it! Professional upcyclers and Etsy sellers are welcome too! Details at: http://thelandlockedsailor.com...e-contest/
Partner/Designer
written by Morgan McMullin, September 24, 2010
Making catnip toys from old umbrellas is a little discerning. I wonder... is the umbrella fabric treated prior to the repurpose? I ask because though I am a huge advocate of sustainable/eco/green practices, umbrella fabric is treated with semi-toxic chemicals. These chemicals pass our regulations for the intended purpose of an umbrella, but making catnip toys with them might be a precarious thing. I'm not a crazy animal lover, but I am an animal person. I just don't treat my animals like princesses or princes. They are pals and I simply choose to avoid toys for them that are toxic in general. I want to keep my friend(s) around as long as possible. So my thought? Check into how fabrics are treated/made before choosing new functions for them. This may also be helpful in determining how the old material can be made new again.
cheap cycling jersey written by sharon, November 30, 2011
it gives them access to free or inexpensive materials, it lends their products an aura of sustainability, and it provides embedded stories that sellers can share with consumers, and that consumers can share with their friends
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