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# Upcycled Surfboard Bags
This Company is Turning Old Billboards into Brand New Accessories

By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-10-19 | Eco
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-billboards
References: [magazine.good.is](http://magazine.good.is/articles/las-old-billboards-get-a-second-life-as-sick-surf-boards) & [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/artlives-never-see-a-billboard-the-same-way-again)

A Santa Monica-based company is now turning [old billboards into bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dhl-and-subject) and other accessories. While billboards are an important advertising tool, the majority are simply thrown out once they are no longer relevant. This company has found a sustainable solution for disposing of old billboards.

'RAREFORM' recently partnered with the 'Lamar Advertising Company' to launch the '#ArtLives' series. The project is a unique sustainability campaign that involves [repurposing commercial art as new accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yonhap). Instead of simply throwing out old ads, artist Milton Glaser turns the graphics into backpacks, [surfboard bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luxurious-wooden-surfboard) and other accessories. The bold and daring collection consists of 300 limited-edition pieces that will be put on display for the public to see.

The creative project ultimately breathes new life into a traditional form of advertising.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.8/10
- Popularity: 42% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Upcycling Billboards:** Repurposing billboards into accessories promotes sustainability and reduces waste.
- **Limited-edition Upcycled Accessories:** Creating limited-edition accessories from upcycled materials allows for exclusivity and promotes sustainable fashion.
- **Art-focused Sustainability Campaigns:** Incorporating art into sustainability campaigns creates a unique and engaging call-to-action.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Outdoor Gear and Accessories:** Creating upcycled outdoor gear and accessories can appeal to eco-conscious consumers who value sustainable and unique products.
- **Advertising and Marketing:** Sustainability campaigns like the '#ArtLives' series can show customers an eco-friendly and creative side of advertising.
- **Fashion and Accessories:** Upcycling materials like billboards can provide sustainable fashion brands with a unique opportunity to create limited-edition collections and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Sustainable Artist Endeavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recasetify.md)
- [Surfboard Waste Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surf-block-maui.md)
- [Retail Overconsumption Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coachtopia-1.md)
- [Billboard-Transformed Tent Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifesaving-outdoors.md)
- [Upcycled Surf Kite Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edgy-kids-brand.md)
- [Upcycled Carrying Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coastline-ecosmart.md)
- [Upcycled Couch Sports Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-the-couch-bags.md)
- [Recycled Phonecase Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/journey-to-rebirth.md)
- [Durable Recyclable Textile Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/f707-stratos.md)