# Upcycled Denim Cash Carriers Denimite Turns Old Levis into New Wallets and Rings By Michael Hines | Published 2013-12-16 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denimite References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/denimite-blue-jean-composite/29993/) & [kickstarter](http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2038022050/denimite-where-good-jeans-go-when-they-die?ref=live) Nebraska’s Iris Industries is attempting to give new life to [discarded jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/repossessed-climb-jeans) with Denimite. Denimite is a composite material made of shredded blue jeans and a partial bio-based thermoset resin binder. Once the materials have been subjected to pressure and heat they form to create Denimitie, a material that is both strong and flexible. Iris Industries has shaped its composite denim into a number of lightweight and durable items, including coasters, a simple wallet and jewelry. However, the team says there are many more uses for the material and envisions it being used to create [furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archibald-denim) and even countertops (among other things). Iris Industries has taken to [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-carriers) to raise $20,000. A donation of $20 gets you your choice of a set of coasters, a wallet or a ring. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 66% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Upcycling:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize discarded materials to create new and valuable products. - **Composite Materials:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop stronger and more flexible materials by combining different elements. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore innovative ways to reduce waste and create eco-friendly fashion products. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion/apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate upcycled materials into clothing and accessories to promote sustainability. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Use composite materials like Denimite to design unique and durable furniture and countertops. - **Retail/e-commerce:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce upcycled denim products through online platforms to reach wider consumer markets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Leather Wallet Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-leather-wallet.md) - [Denim-Adorned Furniture Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denim-furniture1.md) - [Denim-Upholstered Sofas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/denimupholstered-sofas.md) - [Denim-Covered Furniture Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harry-nuriev.md) - [Upcycled Denim Waste Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluff-stack-furniture.md) - [Eco-Friendly Denim Dyes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-dye.md) - [Denim-Wrapped Private Planes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gstar-raw1.md) - [Cheese-Inspired Fashion Statements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheese-pocket-jeans.md) - [Denim Take-Back Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-5.md)