Upcycling

Modifying discarded products to create new, quality items such as apparel, accessories, and housewares that can re-enter the textile supply chain (closed loop). Discarded products are no longer in their original form. Specific discarded products are procured from individuals, thrift stores, brokers, salvagers, or other types of companies.
A term coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braungart. The process of converting an industrial nutrient (material) into something of similar or greater value, in its second life. Aluminum and glass, for example, can usually be upcycled into the same quality of aluminum and glass as the original products.