DEFINITION UPCYCLING
What is Upcycling? A simple definition
Upcycling represents a variety of processes by which “old” or “unused” products can be modified and given a second life when transformed into a “new” product. Thus, through the mixing and assembly of used materials, components and items, the end result offers a “new product” with more value than the original value. In other cases, Upcycling concerns materials or items that are readapted and/or reused in a creative way , and whose lifespan is therefore extended as is the case for the majority of our eco-responsible clothing from the Maison People brand.
Several other definitions of Upcycling
Definition of Upcycling #1
Upcycling is a resilient way to directly reduce the volume of household waste and, more broadly, materials on the global production market.
Definition of Upcycling #2
Upcycling is an eco-responsible conversion of waste into something useful and valuable, applying to waste recycling and therefore to circular anomie.
EXAMPLE OF UPCYCLING
- Upcycling Mode: The production process of the textile industry is complex and requires huge amounts of energy, water, polluting chemicals, among other resources. It is very polluting for the environment and its supply chain is often not ethical. That is why Upcycling is an interesting solution that is beginning to be developed not only by small artisans but also by larger companies . Damaged garments that can no longer be worn are "disassembled" and their textiles are reused for the creation of another eco-responsible garment or by fashion accessories, or whatever the creativity of a designer can bring.
- Upcycling Jewelry: Upcycling doesn't necessarily mean replacement. If an old piece of jewelry has sentimental value but is simply no longer fashionable, it is still possible to "Upcycle" it without losing the soul of the original piece. Stones can be easily reintegrated into a new piece, and the original precious metals can also be used.
- Upcycling furniture: This involves taking old, broken or even discarded furniture and reusing it . Broken cabinets with shelves that can be screwed into an old front door that will serve as a decorative piece, or putting foot supports in an open bathtub on one side and transforming it into a sofa: there are no limits to the power of creativity in recycling furniture and other everyday items.
- Upcycling Company: There are factories that reuse waste in the manufacture of their products, in order to reintegrate them into a new consumption cycle. These companies create waste collection programs that are impossible or difficult to recycle and end up producing objects such as park benches, pencil cases or reusable tote bags from plastic packaging and food and beverage cartons.
Upcycling and Recycling: What is the difference?
The difference between Upcycling and Recycling is that the latter involves treating waste, such as paper, metal, plastic or glass, by breaking it down in order to recover its main material and create a new product .
And as we have seen, Upcycling does not consist of breaking down materials, but rather of sorting them and reusing them in their entirety, in a different, often more modern and original way.
Should we Recycle or Upcycle?
There are many benefits to recycling and upcycling, so it can be difficult to choose one over the other. But remember that not all products and materials can be recycled . Depending on your creativity, you may have a hard time finding new ways to reuse some items you no longer need. In this case, opt for upcycling rather than throwing the item away (/!\ it is essential to place your textile waste in containers suitable for this purpose).
What are the benefits and virtues of Upcycling in everyday life?
Upcycling, as mentioned above, reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Therefore, this eco-friendly practice of upcycling reduces the need to produce new materials, meaning that manufacturers will draw less on limited natural resources and produce fewer carbon emissions .
Upcycling has several other unique virtues. A great everyday example: if you have kids, upcycling can be a fun way to introduce them to a more eco-friendly and resilient lifestyle . And while it may not seem like much fun to separate waste into different recycling bins, kids will enjoy using their imagination to find ways to reuse items around the house.
Upcycling and Remanufacturing: What’s the difference?
Remanufacturing can be understood as a method to extend the life cycle of products through the reuse and remanufacturing of products in closed-loop cycles. On the other hand, the goal of Upcycling is to reshape and integrate discarded components and materials into a new range of diverse products within open-loop cycles.
Is Upcycling Eco-Friendly? The Ecological Value of Upcycling
If we consider Upcycling on a large scale, we can say that in theory it contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Not only because the life of the materials used is extended, but also because it contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions by extending the life of used materials, components and products and by spending less energy for extraction, transformation, manufacturing of new materials or recycling.
Upcycling and Maison People: Or high-end, eco-responsible women's ready-to-wear, made in France
The ethical and ecological women's ready-to-wear brand "Maison People" has been committed to this Upcycling approach since 2019 and designs all of its women's collections with the aim of offering unique and sustainable experiences with eco-responsible consumers who want to participate in preserving the environment while dressing elegantly.
To achieve these objectives, Maison People offers products of which 100% of the collections are made from surplus from high-end houses, non-compliant materials or organic materials, recovered in France and are then shaped in our partner workshops in Paris .
Working with existing material turns out to be an excellent way to honor the fruit of the labor of those who designed these fabrics.
The ethical and eco-responsible brand “Maison People” offers a contemporary and elegant wardrobe, in a style that is both refined and romantic, giving women the opportunity to be themselves without compromise.
#Logo Upcycling reworked by Maison People
