The phrase upcycling was coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braugart in their book on ecologically intelligent design, Cradle to Cradle. In the simplest terms, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value. All of the following products have been upcycled and some of them from surprising products.
Some we absolutely love and have bestowed tuiss love on them. In particular take a look at the Smateria website, you cannot fail to be impressed by the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the Cambodian people. Take a look at the videos too, taking a plastic bag and turning it into a handbag is tops in our opinion.
Milk bottles from the 1980's upcycled into retro glasses
Old scratched vinyl records transformed into coasters
Once a number plate now a designer bag
Colourful choco pouches upcycled into luggage
Juice cartons into hard wearing document folders
Bright Choco handbag this time - drink less choco maybe?
Once a dirty old bin bag transformed by crochet
Old London Fire Brigade hoses, profits to the Benevolent Fund
Once a tyre now a rock chick bag with attitude