What is "downcycling"?

Downcycling refers to the process where materials are recycled or repurposed into products of lower quality or value than the original item. This contrasts with upcycling, which focuses on creating higher quality or value products from waste materials. In downcycling, the intended use of the recycled material often has less functionality or durability compared to the original form, which can be a concern for sustainability efforts.

For example, plastic bottles may be downcycled into products such as insulation for jackets or carpeting. While this provides an avenue for waste materials to be utilized rather than sent to a landfill, it does not preserve the same value or quality as the original product. This distinction highlights the nuance between downcycling and other processes like repurposing and recycling, where the goal may involve maintaining or improving the original product's value.