Glass waste

Reviving Glass, Reviving Earth: Our Upcycling Vision

At Upcycle, we’re not just repurposing glass—we’re redefining what it means to give waste new life. Our passion for upcycling isn’t just about turning discarded bottles into beautiful, functional items; it’s about sparking a revolution in how we see waste. Imagine a world where every piece of glass tossed aside becomes a treasure, where what was once destined for the landfill finds its way into your hands as a stunning, sustainable product. This is the heart of our mission. This is how we revive both glass and the earth.

When we wanted to introduce people to the concept of upcycling, we knew that creating appealing products was key to getting the idea across. It all started in 2007 when Upcycle first delved into using glass for mosaic products.  We were cutting tiles, mirrors, and glass, shaping them into intricate designs. But we quickly realized we could push this further. No longer satisfied with just breaking glass, we started experimenting, with cutting glass, refining, and polishing it. What began as shards of discarded glass soon transformed into something that could sit proudly on any table—elegant, refined, and full of purpose.

As we honed our craft, Upcycle received our first significant order for 5,000 upcycled wine bottle glasses for Investec. This wasn’t just a project—it was a declaration of what’s possible when creativity meets sustainability. We collected bottles from every possible source—restaurants, friends, and even dumpsters—because we knew we weren’t just crafting glasses; we were crafting a message. Each glass was cut, polished, and etched with Investec’s logo, proof that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand. That order pushed our team to perfect our craft, and from there, there was no looking back.

May, with his deep knowledge from years at Consol Glass, joined Upcycle with one burning question: How can we turn waste glass into something not just beautiful, but revolutionary? He’d seen the potential firsthand—ordinary beer bottles reimagined as sleek drinking glasses—and knew we could do more. His dream? To see upcycled glass in every store, as a bold alternative to the mass-produced, environmentally harmful glass flooding the market.

But we’re up against more than just production challenges. There’s a stigma around upcycled products—some still see them as less than, associated with poverty or low quality. At Upcycle, we’re flipping that narrative. We believe upcycled glass can be the preferred choice, not because it’s “good enough,” but because it’s better. Every glass we craft holds a story, a purpose, a chance to make a tangible difference in how we treat our planet.

From drinking glasses and vases to candles, wind chimes, planters, and even light fixtures, our creations are both beautiful and functional. Companies like Graham Beck, Robinsons Wine, Protea, Mont Prelair, and Singita Game Lodge are already partnering with us, sending us their wine bottles to be transformed into stunning, sustainable products. These companies are doing more than just buying glassware—they’re committing to a future where waste is reimagined, and where beauty and sustainability intersect.

But our vision goes beyond just making products. We want to ignite change, one community at a time. Upcycle isn’t just about glass—it’s about empowering people. We teach communities how to upcycle, providing them with the tools to create income streams and reduce waste in their own environments. By turning discarded glass into income-generating products, we’re helping to solve two problems at once—environmental hazards and poverty.

May and the Upcycle team are fiercely committed to this vision of a circular economy, where waste doesn’t just disappear—it becomes something more. Something valuable. Something that fuels livelihoods and inspires a greener, more sustainable future.

We invite companies, individuals, and eco-warriors alike to join this movement. Send us your empty glass bottles, place your order for upcycled glassware, and be part of a global shift towards sustainability. From elegant, branded glasses to creative décor, our products aren’t just eco-friendly—they’re a statement that you care about the future of our planet.