Local Makers: The Upcycle
The tastiest cookies, prettiest bracelets, cleverest cutting boards, purest coffee and most sustainable belts—all crafted by Amsterdam-based makers. But how do they go about their craft? And what makes their products so special? In this edition, we look at the makers behind The Upcycle. We interviewed the co-owner, Tim Spekkens, about the origins of The Upcycle. But first, check out this video to learn all about the production process of these sustainable belts.
From recycling to upcycling
After finishing his studies in Cultural and Social Development, focused on social and sustainable entrepreneurship, Tim Spekkens (32) jumped into the world of circular entrepreneurship. “I find the human project fascinating. Whatever happens with the plastic soup, the Earth will recover and evolve on its own. But what will happen to us? That’s anyone’s guess. If we take better care of our planet, we’ll be around to enjoy it for longer,” says Tim. Together with Lodewijk Bosman, Luna Java, and Hidde van de Straaten, he started out by transforming old depot bikes into brand-new ones.
“Recycling sounds great, but a lot of waste is still generated in that process.” So, they decided to switch to upcycling, creating new production methods that generate as little waste as possible. They reused as many parts as they could from old bikes. Bike chains became necklaces, inner tubes were turned into earrings, and outer tubes became belts. Now, Tim creates and sells design products with a rock-solid sustainable and social message that ‘Waste is food for creativity,’
Right material, wrong Place
Opportunities are there to seize. That’s why The Upcycle joined Project 1012, a Red Light District initiative, which buys up unused sex worker rooms to make space for local makers. The Upcycle set up shop, and became the very first upcycle store in the Netherlands. “We often have groups of local government officials popping in—we’re being used as an example.” And they’re not the only ones amazed by the products. The store attracts all sorts of visitors, from souvenir-hunting tourists to locals looking for a unique gift.
The Upcycle also creates custom projects for companies. When they’re asked, “I’ve got waste—can you do something with it?” they jump into action. For instance, they made tables, chairs and cabinets from old laminate boards for the housing corporation Woonzorg Nederland. “Woonzorg Nederland realized how much usable material they were throwing away during their house renovations and decided to join the circular Upcycle movement.” Now, these items are used in their headquarters to show that it’s possible to reuse waste.
Waste wonderland
Besides shopping for upcycled products in the Red Light District, you can also get involved. With its Wonder Wasteland project, The Upcycle has become a collection point for Amsterdammers. Young makers and designers from The Upcycle will turn your donated materials into something new. How does it work? Sign up here, pick up your stamp card at The Upcycle, and bring along your old (clean) denim, leftover candle wax and polypropylene plastic products. They’ll turn these into new candles, bags and other creations. Every time you drop something off, you’ll get a stamp. Collect five stamps, and they’ll surprise you with an upcycled product. “The ultimate goal is to eliminate waste. After all, waste is just the right material in the wrong place.
The I amsterdam Store, your go-to shop for Amsterdam gifts, gives a platform to the stories of local makers like The Upcycle. You’ll find us at the back of Central Station, in the IJ-hal.
