The present research paper deals with the concept of Upcycling, a term that appeared in the mid-1990s and has attracted particular interest over the past two decades. This study is conducted in three parts: an analysis of the historical context in which this concept developed, a contemporary interpretation of the term, and finally, case studies of its application.

Upcycling refers to processes through which used objects—or parts of them, which have already completed their life cycle—can be transformed into new objects that have equal or greater value or quality than the original. These processes are similar to recycling or reuse and often constitute specific cases of them.

The term is often used to differentiate these processes from conventional recycling processes, because in most cases the products resulting from conventional recycling are of lower quality than the original. Conventional processes are often referred to as Downcycling, with Recycling being a broader term that encompasses both.

At other times, the term is used to refer to reuse practices that lead to an object whose use differs from that of the original. These processes are also referred to as upgraded recycling and creative reuse, respectively.

Despite the recent invention of the term—particularly creative reuse—it is a practice that has been used since ancient times, often resulting in it being characterized as a neologism. Of particular importance in understanding the subject is the value of Upcycling as a tool to address the ecological problem of waste and its relationship with other approaches to this issue.

This paper examines the historical context in which the term developed, attempts to explain its various forms today, and provides some examples of the application of these forms.