upcycle

verb

up·​cy·​cle ˈəp-ˌsī-kəl 

upcycled; upcycling

transitive verb

: to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item : to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value)

The line upcycles single-use plastic bags that are cleaned and brought in from Bali, Indonesia, and parts of California for use as the main material in the shoes. In the company's first year more than 175,000 plastic bags were reused to create footwear and accessories.

—Melissa Magsaysay

upcycling noun

Examples of upcycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The spring 2027 lineup includes rising names like Simon Cracker, an Italian brand known for upcycling, Veiga Milano and Yezael by Angelo Cruciani. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Families can participate in hands-on sustainable living workshops, such as canning, pickling, sourdough making, upcycling, mending and sewing, as well as nature hiking and journaling. — Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The retailer also helps consumers upcycle their child car seats. — Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 27 July 2026

Instead of donating these items, consider upcycling the glass jars. — Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above