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Something Old, Something New
Listed under: Trend Report
Published: Thursday, March 12, 2009
Favoured by customers and designers alike, recycled materials have become increasingly popular in recent times. But are they worth stocking?
With environmental issues high on everyone's agenda this year, it's hardly surprising that recycled materials have grown increasingly common in the craft world, making their way into everything from jewellery making and crochet, to haberdashery, dressmaking and scrapbooking. With designers, art students and crafters continually looking for new and innovative ways of incorporating these items into their work, the demand for reused materials is set to grow even stronger. But what does this mean for the craft market?
“There has definitely been a rise in the number of people using recycled materials in their work,” confirms designer Laura Baxendale, who specialises in knitted fabrics and recently won first place in the 3D Installation category at the 2008 UK Student Textile Awards. “Old items like bicycle tyres and children's toys are being incorporated into everything from jewellery designs, accessories and belts, to home furnishings, clothing and bags. People are generally far more aware of the importance of environmental issues and are looking for new and interesting ways of reusing previously-owned materials in their work.”
But how can retailers take advantage of this trend, and is there any profit to be made? “There is a massive market for reused materials right now,” Laura continues. “And this is something craft retailers should be capitalising on as much as they can. Incorporating recycled materials into stock – whether it's adding old beads to a bag of new ones or using jewellery findings produced from recycled metal – is a great way of revitalising your range and diversifying your customer-base.”
And if that doesn't do the trick, show them how it's done first-hand. “Workshops are another great way of demonstrating how recycled materials can be incorporated,” she explains. “It's a great skill to have and something that many people would love to learn, so there will definitely be a market for it.”
But is it worth the hassle? “Investing in recycled materials can be time-consuming and costly,” she admits, “but it'll be advantageous to your business in the long-run. Remember, customers purchasing ethical goods will always be willing to pay that little bit more for something that has been ethically produced. If anything, they will view them it as a contribution to making the world a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly place.”
So is the future green for the craft world? “The past few years have seen a number of industries capitalise on the rising awareness of environmental matters and there is no reason why the craft industry can't do the same,” she continues. “As the market matures and customers grow increasingly adventurous and experimental with their work, the demand for recycled goods will rise significantly. Knowledge about recycling is currently more accessible than ever and I feel that, in time, everyone will understand just how fantastic, financially-rewarding and inspiring these materials can be.”
“There has definitely been a rise in the number of people using recycled materials in their work,” confirms designer Laura Baxendale, who specialises in knitted fabrics and recently won first place in the 3D Installation category at the 2008 UK Student Textile Awards. “Old items like bicycle tyres and children's toys are being incorporated into everything from jewellery designs, accessories and belts, to home furnishings, clothing and bags. People are generally far more aware of the importance of environmental issues and are looking for new and interesting ways of reusing previously-owned materials in their work.”
But how can retailers take advantage of this trend, and is there any profit to be made? “There is a massive market for reused materials right now,” Laura continues. “And this is something craft retailers should be capitalising on as much as they can. Incorporating recycled materials into stock – whether it's adding old beads to a bag of new ones or using jewellery findings produced from recycled metal – is a great way of revitalising your range and diversifying your customer-base.”
And if that doesn't do the trick, show them how it's done first-hand. “Workshops are another great way of demonstrating how recycled materials can be incorporated,” she explains. “It's a great skill to have and something that many people would love to learn, so there will definitely be a market for it.”
But is it worth the hassle? “Investing in recycled materials can be time-consuming and costly,” she admits, “but it'll be advantageous to your business in the long-run. Remember, customers purchasing ethical goods will always be willing to pay that little bit more for something that has been ethically produced. If anything, they will view them it as a contribution to making the world a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly place.”
So is the future green for the craft world? “The past few years have seen a number of industries capitalise on the rising awareness of environmental matters and there is no reason why the craft industry can't do the same,” she continues. “As the market matures and customers grow increasingly adventurous and experimental with their work, the demand for recycled goods will rise significantly. Knowledge about recycling is currently more accessible than ever and I feel that, in time, everyone will understand just how fantastic, financially-rewarding and inspiring these materials can be.”
