Upcycling

Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. Elisa Strozyk's wooden carpet is a really interesting example of upcycling. Strozyk's wooden carpet project was inspired by the cut offs from wooden carpet. By creating a textile that is both hard wearing and movable Strozyk has made a multi functional and durable design that can be used in both an interior and fashion context.

Recycling by itself, only postpones the arrival of the discarded material at the landfill, where it may never biodegrade, may biodegrade very slowly, or may add harmful materials to the environment as it breaks down. A genuinely sustainable future depends on creating closed loops, or cycles, for all industrial commodities, including polyester. In a closed loop, materials would never lose their value and would recycle indefinitely.

(Livingston, B. (2003) Forward-Recycling of Synthetic Contract Textiles: A Vision of the Sustainable Future, The Designtex Group)

Kate Goldsworthy 's research for her PHD was to find an innovative digital finishing process for upcycled and upcyclable synthetic materials, which can be produced to any design specification. Samples of her research are shown at the top of the page.

This prototype finishing technology can be used to replace traditional processes, removing the use of adhesives and other additives often used in production, and enabling a highly responsive and adaptable production capability. Pattern cutting and seam welding can also be incorporated into the same process.

Industry areas particularly suited to this technology are: sportswear, fashion, accessories, footwear, automotive, interior and architectural applications.

Some processes which can be achieved:

Single-layer Embellishment
Devore
Embroidery
Beading & Sequin work
Flocking & Foiling (adhesive free)
Spot Lamination & Coating
Water Repellency
Resist Dyeing
Marquetry & Inlay
Multi-layer Lamination
Quilting & Sashiko
Stitch Bonding
3D Surfaces & Embossing
Double Weave & Jaquard Effects
Sandwich Layers
Elastomeric Membranes
Web formation (lace structures)

Advantages of Process:

Fabric surface manipulation can be controlled more accurately through digital input
Batch production and larger quantities can be achieved at similar cost
Complex 3D constructions can be formed with selective welding through multiple layers
High Gloss & waterproof surface patterning can be achieved without added any extra materials or coatings
New types of nonwoven constructions can be produced through welded web constructions
Strong bonded layers can be achieved without the need for adhesives
Dimensional / padded materials can be produced as a single component, thus enabling easier disassembly and repair
Can be used as a bespoke finishing process to fit with traditional manufacturing methods
The final product retains recyclability at ‘end of life’ and can be fully upcycled into virgin quality material

WORN AGAIN - are a leading design team from the UK who create products and projects based on Upcycling.

“The combined waste from clothing and textiles in the UK is about 2.35 million tonnes, 13% going to material recovery (about 300 thousand tonnes), 13% to incineration and 74% (1.8 million tonnes) to landfill.” University of Cambridge Institute for Manufacturing

Worn Again believes some things are just too good to go to waste.

Worn Again works with leading product designers to transform discarded and unwanted fabrics into modern, wearable clothes and accessories.

For there latest collection, one of Britain’s most exciting new designers, Christopher Raeburn, used decommissioned Eurostar uniforms and retired Virgin hot air balloons to make a range of laptop bags, Oyster card holders and hoodies.

As well as producing products, Worn Again offer consultancy services and remanufactured products for large companies, such as Royal Mail, who want to find a profitable, sustainable way to deal with their waste textiles. Ultimately through creating solutions to these problems 'worn again' help companies meet their sustainability goals, reduce waste and save money.