UpcycleMo
Creating, inventing, and recycling have been integral parts of the founder Mohamed Khattou’s life since childhood. Using materials like old bicycle tyres, plastic bottles, and pieces of wood, Mohammed crafted toys and everyday objects. Reflecting on these experiences, he developed a deep conviction that this was the beginning of his calling: a love for nature and recycling ingenuity. His path shifted when he collaborated with an interior designer, specializing in decoration and design. This partnership fueled his passion, leading to the creation of UpcycleMo and transforming tyres into trendy items: "Disposing of a used tyre represents a waste of valuable resource"
UpcycleMo was founded on a childhood belief in protecting the environment through recycling, repurposing materials for daily use, and transforming them into art, crafts, furniture, or decorations. This ecological awareness has always been ingrained in the cooperative’s DNA. Inspired by his childhood experiences of creating from used materials, Mohammed naturally extended his passion for nature and design by recycling old tyres into fashionable items. Growing up in El Maader El Kibir near the village of Tiznit, he frequently encountered abandoned tyres and plastic bottles in nature. Collecting and transforming these materials became a childhood game for Mohammed. From these early habits emerged a strong ecological consciousness and commitment to environmental protection, alongside a love for beautiful objects, art, and design. Thus, he chose to merge his love for nature with his passion for art and craftsmanship, aiming to combine utility with aesthetic pleasure.
Mohammed elaborates on the intricate composition of rubber, noting a tyre's components—rubber gum, steel, textiles, and other strengthening elements—all recyclable, yet often overlooked by the public. The challenges and environmental impacts of tyre disposal underscore the importance of recycling them. "By recycling tyres, we reduce waste, prevent pollution, and conserve valuable resources."
Mohammed begins the creation process by treating tyres to remove impurities and any harmful elements. Once the tyres are prepared, they are polished to ease their transformation into objects, artworks, or furniture. Following this, the tyres are carefully stripped, separating the layers according to a pre-designed pattern or model. Mohammed and his team then proceed to manufacture the objects, ensuring precise shapes and measurements. Depending on the model, the final assembly may involve nailing or sewing. Each design is customizable according to the client's ideas and desires.
"All our creations incorporate tyres from cars, trucks, mopeds, and scooters," Mohammed explains. "Depending on the object, we may use additional materials like fabric for handbags, leather, wood for furniture or artworks, or metal." Mohamed explains the joy of working with this material alongside more noble ones and firmly believe in the concept of creative, innovative, and upscale recycling.
He emphasizes positive customer feedback, highlighting appreciation for innovative, custom-designed products with no adverse health impacts. Clients value the ecological and societal vision of UpcycleMo and appreciate the innovative, modern, and unique custom-made design of the products.
"Our clients are amazed at how tyres, initially unattractive, can be transformed into beautiful, functional items," Mohammed notes. "Our choices blend design, modernity, and tradition, inspiring positive feedback."
Mohammed emphasizes that for those considering using recycled tyres and embarking on this journey, he strongly recommends ensuring tyres are thoroughly cleaned and polished to remove grease, toxic products, and impurities. After that, it is all about desire and imagination. Furthermore, Mohammed suggests experimenting with various assembly methods and combining tyres with other materials to enhance structure and aesthetics. He underscores the value of training in this process. UpcycleMo regularly organizes workshops for beginners, aimed at imparting foundational knowledge and fostering a deeper understanding of rubber and other materials used in their creations.
Mohammed highlights that working with rubber, a material initially perceived as unattractive, can bring the aesthetic dimension of recycling to life through the pieces created. He emphasizes that the pursuit of beauty and genuine aesthetic innovations in design, interior architecture, and a new genre of leather goods lies at the core of their efforts.
He concludes by expressing a strong belief that we are on the cusp of a revolution in our ways of thinking and consuming. Mohammed envisions used tyres transitioning from the automotive industry and home interiors to museums and art galleries, marking a significant shift in their perception and utility.
“Our clients are generally impressed by how a material like a tyre, which initially seems unattractive, can be transformed into a beautiful, functional, and elegant item”.
