# Differential Upcycling Businesses are upcycling unusual goods to create a more marketable story. By [Courtney Scharf](https://www.trendhunter.com/Courtney), Chief Client Officer | Published Oct 23, 2013, updated Nov 5, 2013 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ethical-upcycling ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.4/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Differential Upcycling trend? **Differential Upcycling:** Brands are turning to the process of re-purposing odd goods in order to stand out in the retail market. Creating a level of interest that stands out, this approach to otherwise run-of-the-mill products creates an intriguing story behind a product, and helps establish a stronger connection with the consumer. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 29, 2012 to Oct 22, 2013 - Published: Oct 23, 2013 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Differential Upcycling trend ### Upcycling Brands are re-purposing odd goods creating intriguing and sustainable stories behind their products. ### Repurposed Materials Designers are creating unique works of art and jewelry by using repurposed and recycled materials such as coins, bullet shells and bomb bits. ### Mixed Media Art Artists are using discarded furniture and other unconventional materials such as wood and metal to create intricate and unique mixed media sculptures. ## What the Differential Upcycling trend means for industry ### For Fashion Fashion designers can repurpose materials to create sustainable and unique pieces of jewelry, clothing, and accessories. ### For Home Decor Artists can use mixed media techniques to create unique, eye-catching pieces of furniture and home decor that can repurpose materials and reduce waste. ### For Art and Design Innovative techniques for using unconventional materials in art and design can lead to exciting opportunities for creativity and sustainability. ## Trend signals for Differential Upcycling Trend score 5.4 out of 10, from popularity 76%, activity 78%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 76% - Activity: 78% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Differential Upcycling trend 4 featured examples from Aug 29, 2012 to Oct 22, 2013. - [Repurposed Weapon Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearts-trigger-happy): Hearts’ ‘Trigger Happy’ Bracelets Reuse Dangerous Meta (Category: Social Good) Implication: The jewelry industry can explore innovative ways to repurpose materials such as bullet shells to create unique and sustainable designs. - [Monstrous Repurposed Wood Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dead-wood-art): The Dead Wood Art Series Gives Furniture a Horrific New Look (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The art and design industry can benefit from the trend of repurposing furniture as an avenue to showcase unique and sustainable creations. - [Explosive-Inspired Necklaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hearts-and-article22): The Repurposed Bomb Piece Jewelry by Hearts and ARTICLE22 (Category: Social Good) Implication: The fashion and jewelry industry has an opportunity to embrace disruptive innovation by exploring sustainable and socially conscious design, like repurposing materials from war. - [Repurposed Coin Jewelry](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/state-quarter-ring): The State Quarter Ring Gives Pocket Change a New Purpose (Category: Fashion) Implication: Incorporating repurposed coin jewelry into the fashion accessories industry offers a sustainable and innovative product line. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)