# Upcycled Quality Brands are creating high-quality products using upcycled materials. By [Hayley McGlone](https://www.trendhunter.com/hayley_mcglone), Manager, Client Research & Strategy | Published Aug 19, 2016 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/upcycled-quality ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.0/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Upcycled Quality trend? **Upcycled Quality:** Millennials are more environmentally conscious than any other generation, gravitating toward sustainable brands. They are also inherently competitive and status-driven. Products that are upcycled, yet high quality, satisfy both needs. These products also act as ethical status symbols, showcasing that the consumer is not just better, but a better person than their peers. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 8, 2016 to Feb 13, 2018 - Published: Aug 19, 2016 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the Upcycled Quality trend ### Upcycling Brands are creating high-quality products using upcycled materials, tapping into consumers' desire for sustainability and eco-consciousness. ### Circular Economy Companies are reducing waste and minimizing their ecological footprint through practices like upcycling and repurposing, while creating fashionable and high-quality products. ### Sustainable Fashion The fashion industry is becoming more eco-conscious, with companies introducing sustainable materials and production methods to create stylish and ethical clothing. ## What the Upcycled Quality trend means for industry ### For Fashion Fashion brands are introducing sustainable materials and production methods to create stylish and ethical clothing, tapping into the growing demand for eco-friendly products. ### For Travel Travel companies are upcycling discarded materials like airplane seats to create sustainable and stylish luggage, while appealing to eco-conscious and socially responsible travelers. ### For Sportswear Sportswear companies are creating sustainable and eco-friendly products, like swimwear made from upcycled ocean waste, to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. ## Workshop question If your brand was to focus on sustainability, how would you market it to the consumer? ## Trend signals for Upcycled Quality Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 67%, activity 75%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 67% - Activity: 75% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Upcycled Quality trend 7 featured examples from Jun 8, 2016 to Feb 13, 2018. - [Upcycled Designer Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-and-aquafil): adidas and Aquafil Have Teamed Up to Design Sustainable Swimwear (Category: Eco) Implication: Fashion brands can explore upcycling and using regenerated waste to create sustainable clothing and accessories. - [Upcycled Militaristic Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maharishi-springsummer-2018): The maharishi Spring/Summer 2018 Line is Ethical & Militaristic (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can benefit from the trend of ethical militaristic fashion by integrating sustainable materials and ethical production practices into their collections. - [Upcycled Plastic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blue-adidas): These Blue Adidas Sneakers are Made from Ocean Garbage (Category: Eco) Implication: Incorporating upcycled materials in footwear presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in sustainable fashion. - [Upcycled Plane Seat Luggage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plane-luggage): These Discarded Aircraft Seats Were Made Into Luxe 'PLANE' Luggage (Category: Luxury) Implication: There is potential for innovative products made from upcycled or sustainable materials to disrupt the luggage industry and attract sustainability-conscious travelers. - [Upcycled Unisex Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-unisex): 78stitches' Seven-Piece Collection Celebrates the Concept of "Wabi Sabi" (Category: Eco) Implication: Opportunity for fashion brands to embrace sustainable practices and create upcycled collections. - [Upcycled Leather Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-leather): These Motorcycle-Inspired Items are Fashionable and Sustainable (Category: Eco) Implication: The fashion industry can leverage the upcycling trend to develop sustainable and fashionable accessories like upcycled leather bags. - [Upcycled Denim Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cc15): CC15 Produces Affordable Jeans from Reclaimed Fabrics (Category: Eco) Implication: Upcycled denim, like CC15's products, presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry as it tries to become more sustainable. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)