What is the process of converting material into something of similar or greater value called?

Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. This practice not only minimizes waste but enhances the original item's quality or usefulness, often through creative or artistic means.

For example, an old wooden pallet can be upcycled into furniture, thereby increasing its value and utility rather than simply discarding it or breaking it down into lower-quality materials, which would characterize downcycling. Upcycling encourages sustainability by promoting innovation and resourcefulness, aligning well with the principles of environmental stewardship.

This is in contrast to other options, such as recycling, which involves breaking materials down to create new products but may not necessarily result in a product of higher value. Downcycling specifically refers to the conversion of materials into a product of lesser value, which does not align with the definition of upcycling. Disposal, on the other hand, typically involves throwing away materials without intentional reuse or value creation.