# Repurposing Used Markers Terracycle Upcycles Trashed Pens into New Products By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-03-15 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terracycle-upcycles-trashed-pens References: [prnewswire](http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharpier-paper-mater--expor-brands-partner-with-terracycletm-to-launch-first-ever-upcycling-program-for-used-writing-instruments-82595072.html) & [terracycle.net](http://www.terracycle.net/) Sharpie, Paper Mate and EXPO have partnered with [TerraCycle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycling-challenge) to collect and reuse pens, markers and other writing instruments in a way that helps schools, charities and non-profit organizations to raise funds. Groups that want to participate can print pre-paid shipping labels from TerraCycle's website. The collected writing instruments are then shipped to TerraCycle. Once received, TerraCycle [upcycles trashed pens into new products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crimper-recycling-program). **Implications** - Partners of TerraCycle plan to set up donation bins where people can drop off their used-up writing utensils. The collection centers will be called Writing Instrument Brigades and will be located near schools and large businesses. TerraCycle plans to give two cents for every writing tool collected to groups could use a little extra help. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Upcycling Writing Instruments:** Opportunity to create new products by repurposing used pens and markers. - **Collection Programs for Writing Utensils:** Disruptive innovation opportunity in setting up donation bins and collection centers for used-up writing instruments. - **Fundraising Through Recycling:** Potential to raise funds for schools, charities, and non-profit organizations by collecting and reusing writing tools. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Education:** The education industry can embrace the opportunity to participate in Writing Instrument Brigades for fundraising and educational purposes. - **Waste Management:** The waste management industry can explore partnerships with TerraCycle to collect and repurpose used writing instruments, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can partner with TerraCycle to explore innovative ways of upcycling trashed pens and markers into new products, contributing to a circular economy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Carbon-Neutral Stationery Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabercastells.md) - [Infinitely Refillable Writing Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/refillable-writing-pen.md) - [Cost-Effective Upcycled Paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rescript.md) - [Eco-Friendly Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sprout-worlds-plantable-pencils.md) - [Unique Writing Instruments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/graphite-paintbrush-writing-instrument.md) - [Clothespin-Inspired Mechanical Pencils](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pentapa.md) - [Back-to-School Recycling Challenges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycling-challenge.md) - [Sunscreen Packaging Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunscreen-packaging-solutions.md) - [Recycled Coffee Ground Leads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grind-z.md)