Challenge:
How to responsibly repurpose 27 kg of mesh fabric from promotional banners into functional, high-quality, and aesthetic products — instead of sending them for disposal?
Scope of cooperation:
In collaboration with STENA Recycling, a market leader in the recycling industry, REmake it carried out a circular production process aimed at giving a second life to materials originally used in promotional campaigns. For us, this partnership represents a strong recognition of our capabilities — and a sign that major players increasingly treat upcycling not as an add-on, but as a key business opportunity.
For this project, we had the following client materials at our disposal:
Mesh – out of home – banner
Implementation:
The UP_move project followed a precise, multi-stage production cycle:
- Careful selection and cutting of materials to maximize product output.
- Sewing stage involving 11 people across the design and production teams.
- Use of upcycled components:
- Zippers made from old bicycle inner tubes provided by the public bike system “Szczeciński Rower Miejski – Bike_S”.
- Brand labels printed on certified recycled PET.
- Packaging sourced from second-hand distribution channels.
Results:
- 297 urban-style waist bags (“kindeys”) were produced from the upcycled mesh.
- Only 3.9 kg of production waste was generated, most of it unrecoverable — a material efficiency rate of over 85%.
- At least 70% of each product’s materials came from upcycled or recycled sources.
- The mesh’s lifecycle was extended by an estimated 5 years.
- The entire process adhered to ESG standards, with social inclusion — production was carried out with the support of a Workers’ Cooperative of People with Disabilities.
Business Value:
For large companies, such initiatives represent a measurable, credible alternative to traditional waste disposal. Upcycled items can be used as:
- corporate gifts,
- branding accessories,
- employee gear,
- or even saleable branded products.
There is growing interest among companies in repurposing corporate clothing and workwear — from a sustainability and brand image standpoint, this trend is becoming strategically important. Materials like cotton, polyester, denim, or softshell can be transformed into tote bags, accessories, or new garments in closed-loop production cycles.
Broader Industry Context:
In Poland, over the past five years, the reuse and recycling rate has grown steadily — from 9.8% in 2019 to approximately 13.4% in 2023 (source: GUS, industry reports). Still, there’s significant room for improvement. Partnering with REmake it means not only contributing to a more circular economy but also creating tangible proof of a company’s sustainability commitment — products with a story, with value, and with impact.
Summary:
UP_move is a model for how leading businesses can embed sustainability into real, measurable action.
Our structured process, experienced team, and commitment to quality ensure reliable, scalable results for any future circular collaboration.
You can see the results of this project here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1JTUrCUWTh/
