upcycle

verb

up·​cy·​cle ˈəp-ˌsī-kəl 

upcycled; upcycling

transitive verb

: to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item : to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value)

The line upcycles single-use plastic bags that are cleaned and brought in from Bali, Indonesia, and parts of California for use as the main material in the shoes. In the company's first year more than 175,000 plastic bags were reused to create footwear and accessories.

—Melissa Magsaysay

upcycling noun

Examples of upcycle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One of Princess Kate's favorite ways to upcycle the looks into something new has been to add a bow, which was also featured on her Commonwealth Day look. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025

The reason that these granolas have a higher protein content than others is because of the oat upcycling process which Seven Sundays is revamping the supply chain of. —Andrew Watman, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025

Laws' upcycling efforts have been well received, with growing demand for her designs both online and at local markets. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Egg cartons can be reused and upcycled all around the home, from kids' craft supplies to in-a-pinch organization products. —Rabekah Henderson, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for upcycle

• cycle
• motorcycle
• recycle