Upcycling
Recycling is a concept well known to society that it does not need to be defined anymore but for the purpose of this dissertation we will use European Union’s definition of recycling: “Recycling of waste is defined as any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the original or other purposes.” (EU, 2008)
According to Thorpe (2007: 42), “most recycling actually degrades material quality resulting in ‘downcycling’: with each recycle, the materials lose structure and concentration”. Recycling is often thought of as the great solution for unwanted or broken objects and materials. However, it comes with a number of disadvantages, such as the need to reprocess the original material and the need to design for
repurposing and the energy required to accomplish this task. Thermal recycling involves incinerating the waste materials (mostly metals and plastics), while chemicals are added and toxins are released, and “even the new product can release more toxins during use” (Braugart and McDonough, 2002: 40). As well, it takes fuel to transport the discarded products to the reprocessing plant. In contrast, repurposing does not involve the reprocessing of the material. When it comes to unwanted or broken products and materials, recycling is frequently thought of as a perfect solution. However, it has a number of drawbacks, including the necessity to reprocess the original material and the energy required to do so. Thermal recycling entails incinerating waste materials (mainly metals and plastics) while adding chemicals and releasing toxins, and "even the new product can release more toxins during use" (Braugart and McDonough, 2002: 40).
Transporting the rejected products to the reprocessing plant also consumes fuel. Upcycle that (2017) which is brand that promotes and encourages others to upcycle by sharing and selling some of the best upcycling ideas defines upcycling as it is the process of repurposing anything that was previously considered trash. Upcycled items are frequently more functional or appealing than they were before. Therefore, it's termed upcycling: the item's worth is enhanced. Upcycling could be thought of as a creative process where trash is perceived as a resource. Materials which had once lost their value and were just considered waste are used again smartly giving them a new life and usage.
Referring to the definition above, we can say that non-recyclables are waste items that cannot be recycled back into a value chain, either technically or commercially, in the present business model, making them worthless. The act of creating a new business model (BM) to change a valueless (non-recyclable waste) resource into a comparatively more valuable material is then referred to as upcycling. Upcycling is distinct from recycling in that it necessitates the development of a new business model, whereas recycling activities are taking advantage of an existing economic model. (Cornfield & Cosyns, 2018)
Upcycling makes use of lesser resources as it uses already existing materials in creative and innovative ways and prevents them from ending in landfills. This often results in the creation of some of the most unique, one-of-a-kind products. Mallabadi et al. (2021) believe making something new and artistic with someone which was once thought to be valueless is true art. We must end the cycle of buying new products and throwing away our old items and instead find creative ways to turn them into works of art, giving them a new life.