[Upcycling] the art of recycling better?

Upcycling: an art form?

March 18 is World Recycling Day. But you already know about recycling! We even mentioned it when listing 10 must-haves made from recycled materials. Instead of recycling, today we're talking about upcycling, a concept we've been hearing a lot about lately.

But what is upcycling? What's the difference between recycling and upcycling? We explain it all in this article, with examples of upcycled artworks and products too!

What is upcycling? 

You're probably familiar with Lavoisier's famous adage: "Nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed." Although he wasn't talking about recycling, he was right: the principle of upcycling is to add value to waste before using it. What a visionary!

In fact, upcycling translates to surcyclage in French. This very descriptive word conveys the idea of recycling objects by adding value, that is, reusing them with added value. 

The goal is to give a useful second life to an object or piece of waste, whatever it may be, so that it is neither thrown away nor destroyed.

For example, you may have already seen coffee tables made from wooden pallets or even pots used as vases...

Even though many brands are growing around upcycling, it remains a fun and accessible practice for everyone. Nothing stops you from upcycling some of your own objects: anyone can do it, regardless of their means.

What's the difference between upcycling and recycling? 

Quality eco-responsible products 

The main difference with recycling is that the object is used as is. Recycling involves breaking something down to make something new. With upcycling, on the other hand, your object will be improved for reuse.

This difference affects the quality of the final object. In recycling, the finished object will be of equal or lower quality than the original product. This is because breaking down material inevitably reduces its quality. That's why you often see objects made from a mixture of raw and recycled materials. 

In upcycling, it's quite the opposite: there is a quality gain or an improvement in functionality, since the object has been either repaired or repurposed and combined with other items. 

Depending on your ambitions, this may even require specific skills, but overall, the idea is to make something with your own hands. 

Upcycling: a creative art form rather than an industrial process

Another major difference with recycling: upcycling is often done by hand, using artisanal methods or non-industrial techniques. Recycling, meanwhile, is now a large-scale industrial practice.

In fact, today, recycling objects on a large scale requires significant resources and, above all, substantial technical means. That's precisely why the poorest countries cannot afford to do it and opt for upcycling instead. Especially since it's often where our waste ends up...

Beautiful eco-responsible creations 

Upcycled objects are very often original pieces with a strong aesthetic appeal. This is, in fact, the second principle of upcycling: combining beauty with utility. That's why this concept is very popular in fashion and home décor. 

Which is rather good news, as the fashion industry is one of the most polluting in the world.

Recycled products, meanwhile, are less known for their beauty and aesthetics, even though more and more brands are proving otherwise. For example, the brand Le temps des Grenouilles produces lightweight and practical waterproof jackets made from recycled plastic from plastic bottles. Their designs are instantly recognizable because they are original and colorful.

In clothing, the brand LO NEEL stands out for its ethics and sustainability for several reasons: Innovative materials : The brand uses bio-based materials, such as pineapple fiber or rose petal fiber, reducing its environmental footprint. Commitment to sustainability : LO NEEL seeks to reduce its environmental impact at every stage, from material selection to production. Ethical collaboration : The brand works exclusively with suppliers who share its values, ensuring fair production. Circular fashion : LO NEEL prioritizes biodegradable and recycled textiles, embracing a circular fashion approach. Recognition : The certifications it has obtained testify to its commitment to sustainable fashion, such as the "Remarkable Brand for Ecological Sovereignty" from Paris Good Fashion.

Upcycling is a true art form!

Because of their sheer volume, waste is a powerful symbol: a reflection of the consequences of overconsumption. In addition to being a practice that adds value to it, in opposition to this model, upcycling provides fertile ground for artistic creation. Some artists have drawn inspiration from it to denounce both waste overproduction and the overconsumption that causes it. 

Junk art

The term Junk art emerged in the 1960s. The idea behind this art movement was to show that art can be made from anything. 

Artworks made from rags, glass bottles, wood, or even paper then began to emerge. One of the most iconic artists of this movement is Robert Rauschenberg. In his view, the value of objects lies not in how they are used, but in the object itself. 

His works therefore suggest taking the time to contemplate objects rather than mass-producing them, using them a little, and then throwing them away. 

Objects whose utility is repurposed for beauty find a second life in his hands.  

Upcycling art

Upcycling art is an artistic practice more recent than junk art, with even more powerful messages. Bordalo II is a Portuguese artist who decided to make waste the flagship material of his artistic creations.

After the 2008 crisis, Portugal no longer collected its waste. That was when he decided to reuse it to create artworks in the streets, as part of a Street art approach. His goal is to make his message accessible to as many people as possible. 

Car bumpers, ropes, fishing nets, and even small pieces of plastic find a second life in powerful artworks denouncing overconsumption or animals ingesting plastic. 

The idea is to combine reuse with awareness of current environmental and climate problems. By using one of the sources of pollution as a means of raising awareness, Bordalo II creates a strong political message full of meaning and beauty. 

He also wants to show that there is hope, by depicting half-colored animals, as shown in the photo below. 

The benefits of Upcycling 

As you may have realized, upcycling has many advantages over recycling

Resource savings

First, there are significant savings in the resources used, which considerably improves the environmental impact of upcycling. Since recycling is now an industrial practice, it often requires a lot of energy and resources to recycle in large quantities. 

Even though it is an essential solution for tackling the growing amount of waste we produce, the environmental impact of recycling still needs to be taken into account.

With upcycling, it often involves salvaged objects, already made, that do not need to be entirely remanufactured. The resource cost of an upcycled object is therefore greatly reduced. 

Upcycling promotes the social and solidarity economy

What's more, upcycling is part of a circular economy approach known as ESS with recycling centers. These reuse workshops have been increasingly common in recent months. 

Sometimes stemming from citizen or community initiatives, and sometimes from city council initiatives, they are also job reintegration projects. 

There is therefore a strong social dimension to upcycling, which is sometimes supplemented by a local dimension.

On Meanwhile Boutique, you will also find upcycled products such as bags, yoga mats, or toiletry bags, all made in a reintegration workshop based in Fontenay-le-Comte: the Atelier Atout Linge. 

Anyone can practice upcycling

Finally, whether in terms of purchase or manufacturing costs, or even skills, one of the major advantages of upcycling is its accessibility. Anyone can upcycle their objects. 

Upcycling remains a great way to keep busy alone, by taking the opportunity to learn how to sew, for example, or with others. If you have children, it can also be a way to educate them while having fun (and having fun with them). 

Buying upcycled objects to save money

At the time of purchase, the cost of an upcycled object is lower because they are salvaged objects, unless you have dealt with a major brand or want to buy a work of art. And yes, high-end brands have also embraced upcycling.

If you use objects from donations or that you already own to upcycle yourself, it's even better! 

Upcycling: Selection of brands with an upcycling approach

Zgrouitch by Marguerite Morin: upcycled accessories and clothing for sustainable fashion

Upcycled Bordeaux fanny pack 'Zgrouitch x Meanwhile Boutique' [ limited edition ] - €49.00

The French brand Zgrouitch aims to add value to forgotten fabrics in our closets to give them a second life.

Upcycled jackets, bucket hats, pouches, tote bags, fanny packs… Marguerite, the founder, designs different upcycled fashion pieces and accessories with her own hands. She works exclusively with second-hand textiles that she collects from her own closets or from various haberdasheries near her. With her brand, Marguerite offers unique and authentic creations, which she produces in small quantities to minimize the carbon footprint of the clothing as much as possible.

Theane : upcycled accessories for everyday life

Theane Collection - from €11.50

 
Theane is a 100% zero-waste universe. But that's not all. Marie, the brand's creator, is also an upcycling enthusiast. Fanny packs, pencil cases, coin purses, earrings... Most of the accessories are designed using upcycled materials such as jute fabric from large sacks used to transport coffee beans or cereals, and denim, all sourced from second-hand shops or garage sales near the place of production. Marie makes all her creations with her own two hands in her workshop in the Loiret. 

Atelier Atout Linge: Made in France upcycled bags and accessories

 Atelier Atout Linge Collection - from €17.00

Atelier Atout Linge is a fair-trade, eco-responsible French brand. Based in Fontenay-le-Comte, it transforms tarpaulins destined for incineration into unique accessories such as insulated bags and document bags. Led by Charlotte, a team of 12 employees in a social integration program makes each item locally, thus adding value to both the materials and the people. By choosing the Atelier, you are supporting a project that combines social impact with respect for the environment. 

Discover the Atelier Atout Linge Collection
 

As you may have guessed, there is a lot to say about upcycling! Between art, leisure, craftsmanship, and eco-responsible brands... upcycling touches many fields. It is also a more sustainable solution than recycling, which remains accessible to everyone.

And what about you? Would you like to upcycle your objects?  

Sources:
https://medium.com/edeni/lupcycling-l-art-de-recycler-c2dda10bb9c 
https://usbeketrica.com/fr/article/exposition-strret-artist-bordalo-dechets-animaux 
Photo credit for the table made from upcycled pallets: Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash