Upcycling is a term used to describe the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. The following are some great examples of the creative and imaginative ways this can be done using old wood, metal & even plastic crates that would have wound up being downcycled which is the other half of the recycling process . Downcycling involves converting materials and products into new materials of lesser quality. Most recycling involves converting or extracting useful materials from a product and creating a different product or material which is still in my opinion a good approach. On the other hand, if you can take an existing object and create something beautiful and functional without changing what it is but rather incorporating it into the new design, even better.
Crate shelving
Stacked vintage old wooden apple storage crates
Shipping crate as bike basket
Hanging wall shelves
Reclaimed crates as shelving
Via www.cocoprogetto.wordpress.com
Reclaimed wood stools by Edwards Moore. Made from discarded wood from various sources. Sanded and finished with linseed oil, putty and wax.
Dog bowl holder
Via www.theviolethours.typepad.com
Via www.bedifferentactnormal.com
Via www.theviolethours.typepad.com
Crate furniture
I love all your examples and am glad “upcycling” is getting more and more attention in the design world. Thanks! coco
No problem, thanks for the feedback! I am constantly blown away by all the creative ways people are using everyday industrial pieces.