Waste Not, Want Not: unlocking the value in repurposed materials

With the global demand for material continually on the rise it is high time we looked in our own backyard and discovered the lost value in repurposed materials.

Coming out of the wake of the covid crisis we have seen material prices rise sharply and lead times on materials grow heavily. But it doesn’t have to be like this, there is another way to find what you need and that is through repurposed materials

Repurposed materials are materials that have been given a second life. They are materials that were originally intended for one purpose but have been repurposed for another use and they are gold…

As a society we have forgotten how much value there is in used or discarded materials.

But it doesn’t stop there, there are also numerous other benefits of repurposed materials,

Firstly, before you start, you’re reducing waste. By using materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill, we can reduce the amount of waste that we produce and keep things out of landfill.

Secondly, it’s all about the $$$, repurposed materials are often less expensive than new materials and can have shorter lead times. By using materials that are already available, we can reduce our costs of production.

Finally, by utilising repurposed materials you can have a significant impact on the environment. According to the 2023 Circularity Gap report, production and consumption are responsible for 95% of global water stress, almost all biodiversity loss, and over half of our greenhouse gas emissions.

So by using materials that are already available, we can reduce the number of resources that we consume. This, in turn, reduces our environmental impact and preserves our natural resources.

You can find any type of material to repurpose in your home and the local community.

Our favorite repurposed materials

Here are some innovative examples that we love showcasing in the Circular Material Library.

Herso wood is a great example of a product that utilises repurposed materials. The wood is made from reclaimed timber that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Through using reclaimed wood, Herso is able to reduce its waste and produce a product that is a sustainable alternative to traditional wooden products.

Another excellent example is Waste-Based Bricks. Waste-based bricks are bricks made from repurposed building waste that has been diverted from landfill. Waste from the building industry is a big problem globally, so it’s fantastic to have innovative approaches to this problem. Waste-Based Bricks are able to harness the value of waste and produce a sustainable alternative to traditional bricks.

Yitiles are another great example of products made from repurposed materials. Like Waste-based bricks, Yitiles utilise the value of waste building materials. The tile are made from waste concrete and discarded ceramic tiles and combined they create a unique product with an excellent story. The tile are strong and durable and can be used in a range of applications including flooring, countertops, and on walls. Yitiles capture the value in waste and the ability to apply ingenuity to repurpose materials.

One of the most important things we can do right now in the circular economy is to keep materials in use for as long as possible. One great way to do this is by finding the untapped value in materials and finding new innovative ways to repurpose them.

Herso wood, Waste-Based Bricks, and Yitiles are just three examples, but by applying a bit of creativity and finding another way. You or your business can have a big impact in a little way.

Liam is a seasoned design professional with 15 years of experience in the industry. He is passionate about circular design, which involves designing products and systems that reduce waste and promote sustainability. In addition to his work in design, Liam is an avid outdoor enthusiast who values the connection between design and nature.