GOOD TRENDS | UPCYCLING IN INTERIORS AND DESIGN

2024.06.12

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Upcycling is emerging in interiors and design as a good trend.

 

A powerful and creative solution to face the environmental challenges of our times, that luckily is becoming part of common knowledge and also part of some brands’ strategical projects.

 

In this post, brought to you in collaboration with Italian sofa brand egoitaliano, we are delving into what upcycling is, how it differs from recycling, and why it’s beneficial for us.

 

egoitaliano “I WAS A DIVANO” upcycling project at Salone del Mobile 2024

 

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WHAT IS UPCYCLING

 

Upcycling is the process of transforming by-products, unwanted items, waste materials, into new products that have a new utility. This can involve anything from repurposing old furniture into stylish new pieces to turning discarded fabric into new fashion accessories.

 

The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to waste, with over 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually. Upcycling in fashion can play a crucial role in reducing this waste but is a good practice that is expanding to many other different fields, including the home industries.

 

Awareness of upcycling is also luckily increasing, with more than 60% of consumers stating that they are familiar with the concept. As awareness grows, adoption rates are expected to rise.

 

Etienne Girardet via Unsplash

 

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LET’S LEARN MORE: THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UPCYCLING AND RECYCLING

 

Unlike recycling, which typically breaks down materials (for example, melting down plastics or pulping paper) to their basic form to create something new, upcycling keeps the original item’s structure, enhancing it and giving it a new purpose. Upcycling in fact involves the creative work to reimagining and repurposing items, usually with minimal processing.

 

For this reason, recycled materials are often turned into products of the same or lesser quality. Upcycled items, however, are transformed into products of equal or greater value, both functionally and aesthetically.

 

Other than this, usually upcycling has a lower environmental footprint because it requires less energy and fewer resources than recycling. Upcycling can help reduce the demand for new raw materials by further conserving natural resources.

 

Noah Buscher via Unsplash

 

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KEY BENEFITS OF UPCYCLING

 

Already legitimized and became mainstream in the fashion world, especially among Gen Z, the practice of the upcycling has many benefits you may not have thought about.

 

Upcycled items bring a unique and personalized touch to interior spaces. Each upcycled piece tells a different story and adds character, bringing a unique and personalized touch to an outfit but also to interior spaces.

 

Upcycling offers eco-friendly options that do not compromise on style or quality, by extending the life cycle of materials and conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact.

 

At the same time, upcycled objects can be seen as small works of art. By turning ordinary objects into new pieces, it’s a way to set your outfit/space apart from the generic look of mass-produced ones.

 

Last but not least, especially in the times we are living, upcycling can be cost-effective. It’s often a more affordable alternative to buying new products for the consumer, and a key resource for small businesses and artisans, that can focus on giving a new life to objects thanks to their creativity.

 

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WHY UPCYCLING IS THE EXAMPLE OF A GOOD TREND

 

I was listing upcycling here among the 5 top trends for 2024, but someone probably would not agree that the word “upcycling” should go together with the word “trend”. Upcycling is more than just a trend, yes.

 

However, if we consider the real meaning of the word “trend” , that is “a general direction in which something is developing or changing“, upcycling is the perfect example of a good trend. The example that we are moving in a good direction.

 

Upcycling nurtures creativity, encouraging individuals to think outside the box and see potential in items that would otherwise be discarded. This innovative mindset can lead to unique, one-of-a-kind products that stand out in the market.

 

That’s what egoitaliano showcased with the new project “I WAS A DIVANO”, inside their booth Frenesia at the last Salone del Mobile in Milano.

 

 

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” I WAS A DIVANO” BY EGOITALIANO

 

“I WAS A DIVANO” is a new project by egoitaliano that embraces a sustainable and ethical approach, as done previously with the collaboration with ‘Made in Carcere’ .

 

The leather and fabric scraps from the production have been reused to create unique objects, from fashion accessories to everyday design for the home. For example, colourful bags, beauty cases, holders, created thanks to creativity and hand skills.

 

All items are unique and hide special colourful details, perfect for people who want to express their cerativity with their style. The same concept embraced by all egoitaliano furniture range, defined by colors, creativity, fun and sustainability.