Upcycling – a new perspective on waste in social innovation

Authors

  • Charlotte Wegener
  • Marie Aakjær

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v11i2.143

Keywords:

upcycling, innovation, co-design, learning, sustainability, social work

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to introduce ‘upcycling’ – a well-known term within design practice – to the field of social innovation. A mix between ‘upgrading’ (adding value) and ‘recycling’ (reusing) creates the word upcycling, which, in its simplest terms, is the practice of reassessing waste and transforming it into something valuable. In this paper, we ask: How does an upcycle mind-set and practice contribute to situated social innovation?

This conceptual paper seeks to combine insights from the fields of social innovation and co-design with the ideas inherent in upcycling. To ground the theorizing of what we term ‘social upcycling’, four cases are used to illustrate what upcycling practices look like. The cases illustrate the diversity of actors, activities and materiality involved in social upcycling processes. Concluding, the paper outlines a new promising area of social innovation and some practical implications.

Author Biographies

Charlotte Wegener

Ph.D., Associate professor
Department of Communication
Aalborg University
Kroghstræde 3
DK-9220 Aalborg
Denmark
Phone: 0030458582
cw@hum.aau.dk

Marie Aakjær

Ph.D., lecturer
Centre of Management and Experience Design
University College Zealand
Trekroner Forskerpark 4
DK-4000 Roskilde
Denmark
Phone:004572481237
maaa@ucsj.dk

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Published

2016-10-31

How to Cite

Wegener, C., & Aakjær, M. (2016). Upcycling – a new perspective on waste in social innovation. Journal of Comparative Social Work, 11(2), 242–260. https://doi.org/10.31265/jcsw.v11i2.143

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Articles