Upcycling International: 5 upcycling ideas from around the world

Upcycling has been on the uptick in Japan over the past decade. Although Japan is focusing on this type of sustainable method, other countries worldwide are also getting in on the action. Many creators and companies are incorporating upcycling to create beautiful items. Before that, let’s see the difference between recycling and upcycling.

What is the difference between recycling and upcycling

Both recycling and upcycling may share some common characteristics, but there is a sizable difference between them. Both methods are similar to one another since each of them takes old or discarded material for reuse. However, recycling processes old or discarded material to make a new product, which may lead to inferior quality due to the procedural methods used to break down the material.

On the other hand, upcycling gives its creator the option to create something of superior quality through abandoned products. Furthermore, upcycling is more efficient compared to recycling. This is because recycling techniques cost money and energy when breaking down the material. Upcycling, on the other hand, transforms waste and discarded material without completely breaking down the material.

5 brands and organizations doing good through upcycling

Asta – Brazil

Asta is located in Brazil’s famous Rio De Janeiro. Asta connects groups and artisans all over Brazil to develop sustainable and creative solutions for waste reuse. The platform does this by utilizing byproducts and waste from other companies, which are then handed over to various artisans to create something beautiful out of their materials.

What makes Asta interesting is its power to provide a robust platform that empowers local craftspeople throughout Brazil with other businesses and companies. It helps create an economy in which provides creators making homemade products with a way of earning money.

Asta provides a large assortment of upcycling solutions with various types of material, opening limitless options. One example is the reinvention of PET bottles, which have been used to create beautiful lighting, bags, and purses. Asta has worked with many companies around the world, such as L’oreal and Paypal, to find sustainable solutions for waste. (Visit their Instagram account here)

Hila – Australia

Based out of New South Wales, Hila is doing its part by transforming discarded glass into beautiful products. Hila is a family-owned company that has garnered a tremendous amount of glass-making experience that spans over three generations.

 

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A major goal the company has set for itself is to develop its products using minimum resources. Moreover, Hila goes to great lengths to promote community involvement. With a background in engineering and deep concern for the environment, Hila produces many products for its customers. They include an atlas globe, glass fittings for lamps, and multiple home decor accessories.

Furthermore, Hila has also partnered with Sendle, a shipping company within Australia. Through Sendle, this allows the glass-making company to participate in environmental projects, such as the Borneo Rainforest Rehabilitation Project. Not only is Hila using upcycling to create beautiful products, but it’s evident that the company is also focusing on methods to slow the adverse environmental impact brought on by waste.

 

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Up-Store – Austria

One man from Austria is actualizing his vision of combining environmental issues, upcycling, recycling and craftwork. Ulrich Kasess’ Up-Store is located in Göllersdorf, which is approximately 50 kilometers outside of Vienna.

 

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Kasess combines his passion for craft with an upcycling concept that is unique and eye-pleasing. For example, his Altholz couch was created from old scaffolding planks. Another interesting concept bringing new life to old materials is Kasess’ vintage telephone clock. After hollowing out these old rotary telephones, materials were added to create a functioning clock that anyone may hang on their wall. Other ideas include a table made out of an old bike and wood! It is safe to say that Ulrich Kasess’s Up-Store will always produce creative spark with upcycling in mind.

L/L Supply – Canada

Since 2018, L/L Supply has been making fashion apparel exclusively out of upcycled materials. The company is truly following a circular economy model by creating clothing made with the highest quality.

 

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L/L Supply’s story begins in Australia with a group of traveling friends who realized that their clothes were unable to bear the elements of an adventurous lifestyle. After several years of traveling, these friends came together to establish a company that provides sleek clothing and apparel that will last. Materials for L/L Supply derive from factory floor cuttings, water bottles and regenerated nylon. New apparel for both women and men are always available from the company’s website.

Upcycle: The Green Initiative

Upcycle: The Green Initiative (U:TGI), located in Randburg, South Africa, has gone through great lengths to tackle climate change. The company creates innovative response solutions to waste management, and has garnered a large community over the years.

Over the span of its lifetime, U:TGI has provided solutions for waste management. It has also tackled waste that may harm the environment by promoting initiatives that lift people out of the cycle of poverty. The South African business’ outreach programs spreads environmental awareness through local communities too. The company also provides educational courses that cover various details across the upcycling spectrum. Furthermore, the company also has a vast shop that includes toys for children, candle holders, and wine bottle incense burners. U:TGI is leading the way to decrease human waste, as well as to bring a substantial income to its local communities.