We seek papers that enhance our understanding of upcycling in theory and practice in design, making, production, manufacturing, businesses, consumption, lifestyle, behaviour or waste management in different disciplines, sectors and socio-cultural contexts. We especially welcome inter/multidisciplinary, cross-sector, and/or international collaborative work. All papers should be about 4,000 words in length, excluding tables, illustrations, and references. Please download and use the paper template below.
Please submit your paper through EasyChair.
All accepted papers will be published as a book chapter in an Open Access book. One author can submit up to 2 different papers as a corresponding author (presenter). The themes and topics you could consider for your paper include:
Upcycling in production and waste management
- Upcycling in design and making (e.g. redesign, refurbish, remake, refashion, upgrade)
- Design with waste
- Upcycling for manufacturing/production (e.g. remanufacture)
- Upcycling as an advanced or improved recycling (c.f. downcycling)
- Upcycling as a variety of innovative material processes
- Upcycling as sustainable art, craft and handmade
- Design for upcycling (e.g. for easy disassembly, repair, etc.)
- Upcycling as a waste management strategy
- Technologies, techniques and innovation in upcycling production
- Plastic upcycling
- Fashion and textile upcycling
- Furniture upcycling
- Wood upcycling
- Paper upcycling
- High-opportunity products for upcycling
Upcycling businesses and supply chain management
- Upcycling businesses, social enterprises and other initiatives in practice
- Upcycling best practices
- Upcycling material supply and suppliers
- Upcycling retailers
- Marketing for upcycled goods
- Upcycling supply chain management
- Upcycling stakeholders, collaborations and partnerships
Upcycling and consumers
- Upcycling as DIY (Do It Yourself) activity
- Upcycling as everyday design
- Upcycling as behaviour or lifestyle
- Upcycling for personalisation/customisation
- Upcycling in Maker Movement
- Community upcycling
- Consumers’ awareness of upcycling
- Consumers’ perception of upcycled goods
- Purchase of upcycled goods
- Upcycling and consumer behaviour change
Interventions for scaling-up upcycling
- Upcycling campaign, communication, training, and education
- Embedding upcycling in design and engineering education
- Community engagement with upcycling (e.g. events, exhibitions)
- Community workshops for upcycling (e.g. Maker Space)
- TV and new media for upcycling
- Improved material provision for upcycling designers and makers
- Incentives for upcycling businesses/initiatives
- Legislation, standards, and warranty for upcycling and upcycled goods
- Government procurement change for upcycled goods
- Upcycling centre
Upcycling as a theory/concept
- Upcycling and circular economy
- Upcycling and net zero
- Upcycling and sustainability
- Upcycling for sustainable development (UN SDGs)
- Upcycling for socio-economic impact
- Upcycling and degrowth