Description
Upcycle has long been at the forefront of innovative and eco-friendly initiatives. Among their many projects, the transformation of corporate-branded books into beautifully covered, rebranded products is a shining example of how innovative thinking and sustainable practices can not only reduce waste but also create valuable job opportunities for the community.
The idea of covering books started when a corporate company had a surplus of books branded with their old logo and promotional materials. Rather than sending these perfectly good books to the landfill, they approached Upcycle to find a sustainable solution. Upcycle took up the challenge, committing to rebranding these books.
Rebranding is a critical step. It ensures that no remnants of the original corporate branding remain, which is essential for companies that have updated their logos or promotional designs. Upcycle provides a destruction certificate to these corporations, guaranteeing that their branding materials are responsibly managed and do not end up in the wrong hands.
The process begins with the arrival of the books at Upcycle. Each book undergoes a quality control process to assess the best way to rebrand it. The team evaluates whether to cut the books and repurpose the paper, remove the covers, or address any complicating features like buttons or clips. The product development process considers the time, effort, and cost required to re-engineer the books, with the goal of preventing them from ending up in landfills while generating income for the community.
Product development and rebranding involves integrating client feedback and testing various product solutions. Through this approach, they discovered that people love buying the beautifully covered, rebranded books, making it a popular and successful product.
Once the product is developed, the next step is sourcing the fabric. Upcycle collaborates with various donors, such as Hayley Joy, who provides off-cut materials from her corporate clothing line. These off-cuts, often made of viscose and other suitable fabrics, are perfect for covering books. The unique prints and designs add a designer touch to the rebranded books.
In addition to donations, Upcycle also receives specific fabric orders from clients who want their books covered with branded or custom-designed materials. Companies like GoodBye Malaria, an integral partner of Nando’s, have collaborated with Upcycle to cover books with their branded printed Shwe-Shwe fabric. If clients are interested in placing an order to have books covered with their branded material, please contact Upcycle before printing your fabric, as certain fabrics work better than others. It’s important to consult with Upcycle beforehand to ensure the best results.
Upcycle is committed to empowering individuals through this initiative. When new products or projects are developed, they identify community members who can be trained and empowered. Each person is tested to find the tasks that best suit their skills.
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