28 March 2025
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Over the years, Belgium has transformed into an innovative place where creative design and sustainability merge. Today, you can find a growing group of Belgian upcycling designers who breathe new life into old materials. From optical frames to tableware to bicycles, innovative Belgian designers combine craftsmanship and environmental awareness to create unique products that are both aesthetically and ecologically more responsible.
In this article, we explore the inspiring world of Belgian upcycling designers, their processes and the impact they have on a new generation of creative designers.
Stock Antwerp
Old tableware becomes upcycled ceramics in Antwerp
Did you know that the storage rooms of thrift shops are full of old tableware? These ceramics are often no longer good enough to sell, because the glaze has been damaged or the tableware is no longer complete. But there is still a lot of potential under this old glaze. That is why they started an innovative concept in Antwerp where they transform old, forgotten tableware into new, unique designs, called Stock Antwerp. The discarded plates, bowls and cups are refreshed with a new layer of glaze, so that they look like new again. In the Stock atelier, craftsmanship and creativity come together, resulting in unique and rediscovered tableware that decorates your dining table in a contemporary way.
Bidules
Vintage and upcycled eyewear in Brussels
It is recommended to replace glasses every 3 to 4 years, but what do you do with your old glasses? Over the years, millions of beautiful frames have been made and not all of them should end up in the trash. Often only the lenses are damaged or the frame can still be repaired. They know exactly what to do with this at optician and eyewear shop Bidules in Brussels. Here, Nicolas Musty and his team have been transforming forgotten glasses into unique and high-quality frames since 2013. They travel to iconic regions such as Provincia de Belluno in Italy and Jura in France, where millions of frames were produced in the 20th century. With great care, they search through cellars, attics and closed factories, looking for old stocks from both famous designers and small family businesses.
In the Bidules shop in Brussels you’ll find a large collection of unique, vintage and/or upcycled frames with a unique story, some of which are more than 50 years old. You can also get an eye test here by the optometrists at Bidules, so that you leave with custom-made glasses.
be the fibre
Old textiles are transformed into circular products
At be the fibre, they believe in the power of the circular economy. They transform old textiles, which would otherwise be thrown away, into high-quality, more sustainable products. The circular products are manufactured with a focus on reuse and minimizing waste.
Be the fibre is an initiative of Wereld Missie Hulp, a Belgian non-profit organization that supports development projects both financially, logistically and materially. Together, they also developed their own textile containers where you can donate your ‘old’ clothing and give it a second life. They sell this second-hand clothing in their own store, with the proceeds going to development projects. The clothing that can no longer be worn are turned into their circular products. Through innovative techniques and a passion for sustainability, these second-hand fabrics are given a new life through recycling. Think of products like backpacks, handbags and laptop covers.
Every time you choose a product from be the fibre, you not only support more sustainable production, but you also help the environment and a good cause. Together, we can pave the way to a more sustainable and fairer world, one recycled textile product at a time.
Studio WOUW
Plant-based dyed designs in Ghent
In Ghent, there is an innovative company that focuses on developing plant-based dyes: Studio WOUW. The dye house was founded by the couple Kasper and Jolinde. Instead of using chemical ingredients, the dye house uses natural pigments, such as food waste products like onion and avocado peels or more sustainably sourced exotic plants to develop brighter colours. With these natural pigments, they breathe new life into (old) textiles using local, artisanal dyeing techniques.
To make their processes even more sustainable, the creative duo mainly works with second-hand clothing or textiles. These clothes are sometimes discoloured or outdated, and by using natural dye pigments, an old garment gets a fresh colour or print again. In addition, they also transform new garments from organic cotton into unique, colourful designs.
Are you inspired to get started with natural dyes yourself? You can also do this yourself! Studio WOUW therefore offers workshops and handy DIY packages to dye textiles at home according to this age-old and environmentally friendly craft.
Den Brillenatelier
Old frames get a new life in Antwerp
Another cool company on this list that gives old frames a new life and transforms them into innovative, unique designs: Den Brillenatelier in Antwerp. Koen (‘Den Brillenman’) founded his store and atelier with the aim of making affordable glasses for everyone, regardless of your background or age. The collected frames are mainly donated, after which he sorts, recovers and reuses the parts. The manufacturing process is done from start to finish by people who are distanced from the regular labour market. In this way, with every purchase you not only create the opportunity to make a new product from waste, but also to create new work and learning opportunities for people who can use it well.
The result is a collection of high-quality eyewear that can be fitted with prescription lenses of your choice. From single vision to multifocal – there is a suitable pair of glasses for everyone.
Do you have an old pair of glasses at home that you want to give a new life? Then donate them to the various Kringwinkels, Cirkels or Refaced stores.
Erst Cycles
Modern bicycles from old frames in Antwerp
Erts Cycles is a bicycle store and workshop in Antwerp that focuses on making modern, custom-made bicycles by reusing high-quality, refurbished frames. These old bicycle frames are handcrafted, top-quality steel frames, dating from 1900 to 1990.
The company is known for its more sustainable and innovative approach, transforming vintage or second-hand frames into contemporary, high-quality bicycles. Each frame is carefully selected and restored, after which it is modified with modern components such as wheels, gears and brake systems, to improve both functionality and aesthetics. This way, you can enjoy contemporary technology and comfort, combined with the charm of vintage design.
The manufacturing process of the bicycles is carried out both in their own workshop and at De Sprong, an inclusive organization that works with people who are distanced from the labor market. This way, the bicycles are not only circular, but also locally and socially made!
