Recovered misprinted notebook in fabric

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

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.

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.

Initiatives

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.

One success story is that of Aziza, a stay-at-home mom and novelty baker. Aziza’s journey with Upcycle began with a simple but valuable skill—covering her children’s schoolbooks. This experience gave her a foundational understanding of the process, but it was her meticulous attention to detail and dedication that truly set her apart. Aziza’s journey with Upcycle began when she stepped in to help her neighbour, who was struggling with the task of covering books for Upcycle.  When Upcycle offered Aziza the opportunity to work on their book-covering project, she embraced the challenge. Over the past three years, she has mastered the skill, balancing her responsibilities as a mom with the flexible work schedule offered by Upcycle. She is deeply grateful for the trust Upcycle placed in her, recognizing her potential and encouraging her to push beyond her comfort zone. Upcycle not only provided her with the tools to refine her craft but also offered a supportive environment where mistakes were seen as learning opportunities. Through this experience, Aziza has been able to grow both personally and professionally, developing her skills and gaining the confidence to excel in her work.

What was the biggest job Aziza have done so far?

Aziza is thrilled to share that she completed a project where she covered 250 books in just 7 days. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that tested her creativity, efficiency and attention to detail. Her sense of accomplishment on completion was incredible. This project not only pushed her to work efficiently but also helped her to learn new techniques.  She experimented with different materials and refined her design process.

Benefits

How was doing the books benefiting her and give an example?

Covering books with upcycled materials has benefited Aziza in several ways. Firstly, it allows her to contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing waste and by giving old materials a new purpose. Secondly, upcycling enables her to create a truly unique book, as each book covered is carefully crafted with reclaimed materials, making every book a distinctive piece of art. Our Upcycled books appeal to customers who share our value of sustainability and creativity. By utilising upcycling materials to cover books, Aziza is not only reducing waste but also inspiring customers to think positively about sustainability and the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling. 

How much have Aziza learned about saving the planet from the process and has it made her a more conscious person?

 Covering books with upcycled materials, has taught Aziza a significant amount of knowledge about saving the planet. She has gained a deeper understanding of the importance of reducing waste and conserving natural resources. Upcycling has opened her eyes to the creativity and potential of repurposing materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. It is incredible to see how much waste can be diverted from landfills and transformed into unique, functional and beautiful products like the upcycled covered books. Working with Upcycle has not only taught Aziza about the importance of sustainability but has also inspired her to live a more conscious, environmentally responsible lifestyle. 

Retailing

The rebranded books have become a popular product, sold both in Upcycle’s Zero-Waste shop and online. This initiative not only reduces waste but also creates beautiful, functional items that people love to buy for themselves and as gifts. More importantly, it provides meaningful job opportunities for individuals like Aziza, helping them to develop their skills and earn a sustainable income.

Upcycle’s book covering initiative is a testament to the power of creativity and sustainability. By transforming waste into valuable products, they are making a positive impact on the environment and the community. If you are a corporation with surplus branded materials or an individual looking to support this initiative, consider reaching out to Upcycle. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future.