You’ve probably heard of upcycling, but do you know what it really is? At its core, it’s pretty simple: instead of throwing things away, you take them and turn them into something even cooler or more useful. Think of it as recycling’s more creative, stylish cousin.
This sounds relatively easy if it’s a one-off, DIY project. But when it comes to larger projects, how exactly can this be done?
Here, we explore two ways that products – particularly branded merch – can be upcycled using two of our innovative suppliers as examples.
Like us, our supplier partner, Numo, believes in the power of transformation—turning existing materials into unique, functional, and well-crafted products. Their upcycling initiative embodies this philosophy, offering a sustainable solution that breathes new life into items that might otherwise be discarded.
A prime example of their upcycling efforts is the collaboration with Commonsku during SKUCON ’24. Post-event, the vibrant tablecloths that once adorned the conference tables were repurposed into stylish pouches. Each attendee received one as a memorable keepsake, showcasing how event materials can be creatively reused.
This banner was upcycled into five different products.
The approach is straightforward and collaborative:
- Material Contribution: Clients provide materials from past events—be it banners, tablecloths, or flags.
- Design and Production: A team of experts conceptualizes and crafts new products from these materials, ensuring each piece is both functional and reflective of the brand’s identity.
If you’re planning an event or have leftover materials, consider the potential of upcycling. Not only does it promote environmental responsibility, but it also offers attendees a unique piece of memorabilia.
Surplus branded merchandise presents a multifaceted challenge for brands. Storing unsold goods incurs costs, and disposing of them contributes to environmental waste. Moreover, simply discarding these items overlooks their inherent value and the potential goodwill that could be generated through thoughtful redistribution.
Brands for Canada offers a sustainable and socially responsible alternative. By partnering with brands across the nation, BFC collects surplus merchandise, de-labels it, and redistributes it to individuals and families facing economic hardships. This initiative not only alleviates poverty but also promotes environmental stewardship by reducing waste.
How it works:
- Donation: Brands collaborate with BFC to donate surplus items, including clothing, personal care products, and household goods.
- Quality Assurance: BFC ensures that all donated items meet quality standards, guaranteeing recipients receive new, unused products.
- Distribution: Through a network of community partners, including schools, charities, and Indigenous organizations, BFC distributes these goods to those in need, ensuring timely and efficient delivery.
The impact is incredible. In 2023, BFC supported over 1,368 communities, reaching approximately 3.2 million individuals. They’ve successfully diverted 15 million pounds of goods from landfills, conserving an estimated 19 billion gallons of water and offsetting 255,000 tons of carbon emissions.
At Genumark, we’re all about helping brands make the most of their merch—especially when it comes to sustainability. Whether you have surplus branded products or event materials that deserve a second life, we can help you upcycle them into something fresh and purposeful through our partnerships with innovative organizations like Numo and Brands for Canada.
It’s not just about reducing waste—it’s about creating memorable, purpose-driven products that align with your brand’s values and leave a lasting impact.
