surcycler
The English verb upcycle is translated into French as surcycler.
The term surcycler is used when you convert materials or products into something of higher quality and greater functionality than the original.
Meaning: to convert into new materials or products of higher quality and greater functionality (verb)
Which one should you use?
While the general verb recycler refers to the broad process of recycling materials, surcycler specifically implies that the resulting product has a higher value than the original material.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle surcyclé can be used as an adjective to describe an object that has been upcycled.
Did you know?
- While surcycler is the technical term, French speakers often use the phrase donner une seconde vie meaning 'to give a second life' when describing the act of upcycling a piece of furniture.
- In France, the concept of upcycling is closely tied to the recup' culture, a slang shortening of récupération referring to the habit of scavenging old materials for art and utility.
- In many French-speaking regions, particularly in much of Africa, the term récupération is used more frequently for similar creative reuse than the formal surcyclage.
Examples in context
- Dans un contexte d'économie circulaire, il est essentiel de recycler de manière créative pour donner une seconde vie aux objets.In a circular economy context, it is essential to upcycle creatively to give a second life to objects.
- Au lieu de jeter cette vieille armoire, pourquoi ne pas lui donner une seconde vie en la transformant en étagère ?Instead of throwing away this old wardrobe, why not upcycle it and turn it into a shelf?
- J'adore customiser de vieux vêtements pour leur donner un style unique.I love upcycling old clothes to give them a unique style.
- Elle a surcyclé de vieux vêtements en un sac à main élégant.She upcycled old clothes into an elegant handbag.
- Je veux surcycler ces vieux vêtements.I want to upcycle these old clothes.
- Elle a décidé de surcycler de vieux meubles.She decided to upcycle old furniture.
- On peut surcycler ces bouteilles en verre.We can upcycle these glass bottles.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at a pile of old wooden pallets in a garden.
- ManonOn pourrait surcycler ces palettes en bois.We could upcycle these wooden pallets.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonOn peut en faire un petit banc.We can make a small bench out of them.
- NathanJe vais chercher mes outils.I am going to get my tools.
