At Upcycle, we’re committed to breathing new life into fabric waste, creatively reengineering materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

How Upcycle Transforms Fabric Waste into Beautiful and Practical Products

At Upcycle, we’re committed to breathing new life into fabric waste, creatively reengineering materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. The fast-paced home, decor, fashion and advertising industries generate significant fabric waste, but our mission is to change that. By upcycling fabric waste, we not only reduce landfill waste but also decrease the demand for new materials, conserving resources and lowering carbon emissions. Our approach supports a circular economy rooted in reuse, helping to preserve our planet’s resources. Each piece of fabric, regardless of size, is creatively repurposed to make products that’s both functional and sustainable. Here’s a few examples on how we turn fabric waste into a variety of innovative products:

  1. Fabric-Covered Books

We give obsolete inventory books a second life by covering them with vibrant off-cut fabric, transforming what was once destined for landfill into unique, stylish items. Through careful recovering, each book becomes as good as new, showcasing the upcycled value of usable journals with original beauty and inspiration. Perfect for gifting or personal use, these transformed books demonstrate how waste can be turned into opportunity, making the discarded truly desirable.

  • Handbags, Makeup Bags, and More

Our team uses fabric remnants to design a wide range of products, including handbags, makeup bags, toiletry bags, shopping bags, pencil bags, yoga bags, and more. Each bag is designed to be both durable and stylish, with patterns and designs that are as unique as the fabric scraps, they’re made from.

  • Backpacks and conference bags

Our backpacks and conference bags are crafted from recycled billboard banners, giving new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste. Originally designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, the PVC ensures the bag is tough and long-lasting.



  • Waterproof Matrass covers

Billboards, once vibrant and informative, often end up as waste once their advertising campaigns conclude. However, an innovative product design by Upcycle is turning this waste into a vital resource for communities in need. By repurposing obsolete billboard banners into waterproof mattress covers, we are not only extending the life of mattresses but also providing essential support to old age homes and early childhood development centres.

  • Dog Beds and Cushion Stuffing

Even the smallest fabric scraps find purpose in our dog beds and cushions. Larger off-cuts are crafted into cozy dog beds, while the tiniest scraps are used as stuffing, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Our dog beds offer comfort to pets while contributing to a zero-waste environment.

  • Bespoke Cushion Covers and Cushion Stuffing

Off-cut fabrics are also used to create beautiful cushion covers that add charm and individuality to any space. Any pieces too small to use as covers are repurposed as cushion stuffing, making each cushion fully upcycled and waste-free.

  • Sewn Fabric Storage Boxes

We transform leftover fabrics into fabric storage boxes, offering a sustainable way to organize spaces. These sewn boxes are both practical and eco-friendly, giving fabric waste a useful, long-term purpose.

  • T-Shirt Snuffle Mats and Chew Toys for Dogs

Crafted from T-shirt fabric off-cuts, our chew toys and snuffle mats for dogs keep fabric waste out of landfills while providing dogs with engaging play options. The chew toys are durable and fun, while the snuffle mats are especially beneficial for dogs who tend to eat too quickly. Made from strips of upcycled T-shirts, the mat taps into a dog’s natural instincts, rewarding curious noses with hidden treats.

  • Sandwich Wraps

We turn fabric scraps into reusable sandwich wraps, a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. These wraps are washable, eco-friendly, and ideal for packing snacks sustainably.

  1. Tablet Bean Bags

Our tablet bean bags are crafted from upcycled fabrics, providing a functional, comfortable stand for devices. This product is a favorite among customers for its unique look and sustainable design.

  1. Scrunchies

Off-cut fabric is perfect for making scrunchies that add style without waste. These scrunchies are available in various patterns and colors, each one eco-friendly and made with love.

  1. Cotton Facecloths and Face Pads

Upcycled cotton fabric is transformed into reusable face pads and soft, knitted facecloths, offering sustainable alternatives to single-use cotton balls and regular washcloths. Gentle on the skin and better for the planet, each piece is handmade, functional, and environmentally friendly, proving that small choices can make a big difference.

  1. Car Trash Bin Bags

We design fabric bags for car trash bins, keeping cars clean while reusing materials. These bags are convenient, washable, and a stylish solution for reducing waste on the go.

  1. Dish Covers and Dish Cloths

Our upcycled fabric dish covers offer a sustainable, washable alternative to plastic wrap, keeping food fresh and helping to reduce plastic waste in eco-conscious households. Meanwhile, cotton fabric remnants are crafted into durable, reusable dish cloths—an ideal, green choice for any kitchen. Both products bring functionality and sustainability together, transforming fabric scraps into everyday essentials.

  1. Potholders

Using fabric off-cuts, we make potholders that are both heat-resistant and eco-friendly. These holders add style to the kitchen while keeping hands safe.

  1. Thermo Cooking Bags

Our cooking bags use upcycled materials to keep food hot, offering a natural, sustainable solution to thermal cooking. These bags are practical and reduce waste in the kitchen.

  1. T-Shirt Macramé Plant Hangers

Old T-shirts are transformed into macramé plant hangers, adding a bohemian touch to home décor. These hangers are a creative way to recycle fabric while beautifying any space.

We invite you to join our Upcycle community and make a difference by keeping fabric waste out of landfills. Whether you’re a company with obsolete T-shirt stock, a marketing team with banner waste, a dressmaker with fabric offcuts, a parent with leftover fabric at home, curtain manufacturer, or anyone with fabric waste, you can partner with us to transform waste into new, meaningful products. By upcycling fabric waste, you’re contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle and joining us in protecting the environment for future generations.

If you’d like to collaborate with Upcycle, contact Winnie at winnie@upcycle.co.za, or come visit us at our Upcycle Zero Waste shop at 174 Long Road, Greymont, Johannesburg. Explore the products crafted by our community from these contributions and see firsthand the beauty that comes from upcycling. Together, we can create inspiring spaces and lasting impact, one upcycled product at a time!