EXPLORING LOCAL RECIRCULATION OF PAPER WASTE THROUGH UPCYCLING AND ARTISTIC RECYCLING

Local recirculation of materials is a key aspect for a green transition, as it enables materials to be reused in new life cycles locally. In this article, we use the material “paper” as a case study to explore how this material recirculates at the local scales. This article aims at observing and evaluating upcycling scenarios as part of an expansion of local end-of-life possibilities compared to the current situation where paper end-of-life is reduced to a few recycling plants in France and abroad. This work relies on interviews and questionnaires that aim at understanding how paper is used and explored by artists to be recirculated in products. Indicators were tested to provide a methodology to compare different material circulation scenarios in terms of material use, environmental impact and value perception. Collaboration among multiple actors, artists, community centres, schools and industrial players is crucial for scaling up such recirculation loops.