FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to some of your FAQs (frequently asked questions) about ReCreate’s sustainable pieces.

WHAT IS UPCYCLING?

Upcycling is reusing and giving new life to materials and objects. When you use second-hand clothes, that’s upcycling; when you use a beverage bottle to hold flowers, that’s upcycling too.

As Antoine-Laurente de Lavoisier once wrote, “In Nature, nothing is created, nothing is lost, everything is transformed.” That is exactly what upcycling is—everything transforms, and everything can have a new life.

Upcycling is different from recycling, where something is broken down to create new objects—for example, glass, paper, and some packaging can be transformed into a “pulp” that can be reshaped. ReCreate upcycles advertising materials, canvases, flags, and other polyesters, using various artisanal techniques to transform them into everyday objects, adding years of life to materials that would otherwise be obsolete.

WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?

The term sustainability is connected to the balance between humans and nature. This is ReCreate’s vision: to be part of a planet that strives to remain green and balanced. The global population is growing exponentially, and with it, mass production of objects—ever more disposable and undervalued, lacking soul and a happy purpose.

ReCreate uses as raw materials items that have already served their advertising purpose. Instead of producing new materials, we create new ideas and solutions so that these advertising materials are no longer contributors to pollution. Our sustainability also extends to human resources, as we work with people who are valued for their crucial role in ReCreate’s growth, and in the selection of suppliers, whose geographical proximity helps reduce environmental impact.

WHAT DOES DESIGN MEAN?

Design Design is a way of thinking about the objects that surround us; it’s not merely about aesthetics or making things beautiful and sellable. ReCreate follows the principle of design—FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION—and all our objects are created with this premise. Design is about finding solutions, whether for materials or everyday objects. Design is about creating pieces that endure over time, are intuitive to use, and give meaning and soul to each one.

ReCreate also follows another principle for designing the future: ALWAYS USE AVAILABLE RESOURCES, applying upcycling whenever possible. On a planet full of materials—such as advertising canvas—why produce more? Over the past 30 years, tons of plastic materials have been produced, and if not used, they will remain on the planet for many generations. Every moment, even more materials are produced—plastic, fabric, and many others—that could have new lives. All it takes is a design mindset to give them a second life and create objects of value.

*“It is the pervading law of all things organic and inorganic, of all things physical and metaphysical, of all things human and all things superhuman, of all true manifestations of the head, of the heart, of the soul, that the life is recognizable in its expression, that form ever follows function. This is the law.” Louis Sullivan, essay published in the March 1896 issue of Lippincott’s Magazine.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF YOUR MATERIAL?

The materials are collected from various cultural spaces, such as theaters, museums, and music events, as well as from companies promoting their brands.

WHAT TYPES OF MATERIALS DO YOU REPURPOSE?

Plastic advertising materials, such as compact or micro-perforated advertising canvas, flags, polyester mesh, and more.

I HAVE SOME PUBLICITY BANNERS STORED, DO YOU ACCEPT THEM?

Yes. We can arrange a pickup at a mutually agreed date and time, or you can drop them off at the studio. Please send us an email to schedule.

MY COMPANY HAS A LOT OF STORED MATERIAL, CAN YOU CREATE PIECES FOR US?

Yes, you can choose from our catalog, or we can create pieces tailored to your needs.

I HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN URBAN INTERVENTION, DO YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN?

ReCreate works with both small and large formats—there are no limits to creativity. Get in touch via email.

DO YOU SELL IN LARGE QUANTITIES?

Yes, we have a team ready to ensure the quantity and deadlines you require.

CAN I CHOOSE THE COLOR OF A PIECE?

Colors depend on the materials available. We can send photos of the colors at the time, or it’s even better to visit the studio in Lisbon.

HOW DO I PLACE A CUSTOM ORDER?

Send us an email with a description of what you want, and we will surely find the best solution for you.

DO THE VERTICAL GARDENS DRAIN WATER?

Yes, all excess water drains from the bottom, just like in a regular pot.

CAN I REQUEST A GARDEN IN DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS?

Yes, you can request it by email, indicating the measurements and the number of pockets you would like.

I HAVE CHAIRS AND I WANT TO REPLACE THE SEATS LIKE YOUR WORK—HOW CAN I ORDER THIS SERVICE?

You can place an order by email, sending photos so we can provide a quote.

WHAT ARE THE CUSHION COVERS MADE OF?

The cushions are filled with grocery mesh bags. They allow water to pass through without creating mold.

DO YOU MAKE CUSTOM CUSHIONS?

Yes, just send an email with the desired dimensions.

I NEED A SPECIAL BAG SIZE—DO YOU MAKE IT?

Yes, please send an email with the dimensions and specifications.

ON A RECREATE BAG, CAN I WRITE ANY PHRASE?

Yes, there is a limit of 8 letters per line. Each side of the bag can have 3 lines of text.

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