Upcycling

With upcycling, used and discarded furniture such as chairs, tables and cupboards are tested for their reusability. Valuable materials and components are then incorporated into a well-conceived design and product development concept, with existing parts being used in a new form, reworked and combined with new materials. This approach results in the creation of customised upcycled furniture that meets both functional and aesthetic requirements, often with new functions and a different use.

Good reasons for upcycling by Girsberger

Use existing resources

Avoid waste of materials

Reduce furniture storage

Promote the circular economy

Become a role model

Resolve issues of usage

Facilitate new functions

Minimise waste generation

Protect the environment

Professor Tobias Stucki, Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, Bern

Statements

“In its final stage, the circular economy is a radical transformation. It lies at the heart of the economy as a whole, and everyone needs to be part of the proess.”

Professor Tobias Stucki, Bern University of Applied Sciences BFH, Bern

About the project

The Girsberger 6-phase model for the upcycling process

Our approach to furniture upcycling is based on individual customer needs, and we have developed a 6-phase model for this purpose. We hold a workshop that involves identifying requirements and possibilities, analysing the usability of existing materials and integrating them as a valuable resource into a well-conceived product development and design concept.

1. Needs analysis and material assessment

Are you storing large quantities of old but high-quality furniture that no longer meets current requirements? Are you looking to avoid disposing of this furniture, in favour of a sustainable solution in line with the circular economy? Together, we will analyse your inventory and identify suitable measures for upcycling.

[Translate to English:] Upcycling Schritt 2: Designworkshop und Kreislaufkonzept

2. Design workshop and cycle concept

Based on a material analysis and an account of your requirements, our experts will work with you to develop new concepts of use and furniture types from the old material. Metal components in particular are suitable for reuse as they show little wear and tear and their production is energy-intensive. Ideally, the newly designed furniture will not be recognisable as having been created using existing components and materials.

[Translate to English:] Schritt 3 Upcycling: Baue eines oder mehrerer Prototypen, basierend auf Modellen und Mustern

3. Construction of one or more prototypes

Upcycling is a creative process that also generates new ideas once under way, which is why we produce one or more prototypes based on 3D modelling and sample structures, which we then subject to further testing and optimisation.

[Translate to English:] Upcycling Schritt 4: Produktion in unseren Manufakturen

4. Manufacture

The furniture is manufactured in our in our own factories. Thanks to our interdisciplinary organisation and close coordination between the various departments, we guarantee the best possible quality from a single source.

5. Delivery

Our in-house logistics department guarantees timely delivery, with optimised route planning that ensures the most efficient possible use of resources, ideally with one of our electric vehicles.

[Translate to English:] Upcycling Schritt 6: Kommunikationsstrategie über Mehrwert des Upcycling-Projekts

6. Communication

We recommend an accompanying communication strategy that traces the development process and underlines the sustainability aspects of the project. We will be happy to support you in communicating the added value of the upcycling project to users in an effective way.