Daegu Upcycling

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Upcycling refers to the process of transforming useless waste materials into completely new and interesting products. A center specializing in upcycling has recently opened in Daegu. Let's take a look.

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The Korea Upcycle Center opened in Daegu on June 30 with the goal of promoting up-cycling. The center is a venue in which business start-ups and designers can exchange ideas on how to reuse waste resources and plan new products. Also provided are machines and equipment such as 3D printers which are necessary for production. Visitors can get a look at the products on display, and are offered a chance to assemble products first-hand. The upcycling trend is spreading across lifestyle sectors ranging from attire to interior design, providing fine opportunities for young designers and business start-ups. The trend is also leading to the creation of new jobs, as the products planned by upcyclers are manufactured at social enterprises that employ elderly, disabled and young workers. As such, the Korean upcycling industry is expanding each year. The number of upcycling companies has grown from just five in 2007 to some 100 last year. The market size has also jumped from roughly 434,000 U.S. dollars to about 8.7 million dollars over the same period. The upcycling industry appears likely to experience further growth, with the social atmosphere placing an increasingly strong emphasis on sustainable lifestyles.