Scaling Upcycling with Data Fluency: Repass and Trykot

In the textile industry, upcycling is often viewed as a creative, small-scale practice that is difficult to replicate and even harder to systematize. As sustainability becomes a strategic imperative, the ability to scale upcycling has become not only desirable but essential. What remains rare is the capacity to do so while maintaining traceability, transparency, and measurable impact. 

Repass is proud to announce its collaboration with Trykot and Izabela Kot-Gawrylczyk, one of Europe’s most experienced practitioners in industrial-scale upcycling. Together, we are building a new standard for circular production that combines material transformation with digital infrastructure. 

Through this partnership, original product data is connected with upcycled product data, including material origin, transformation processes, and environmental impact. This creates a continuous digital thread that supports traceability, compliance, and strategic storytelling across the value chain. 

Industrial Upcycling: A Rare Capability 

Izabela Kot-Gawrylczyk has spent over a decade building an ecosystem for large-scale upcycling. Her work includes collaborations with international companies—from banks and logistics firms to music festivals and fashion brands—where she has developed operational models that make creative reuse viable at an industrial scale. She brings a rare combination of creative intuition and systemic thinking, making her one of the leading voices in scalable circular design. 

“I have been working with upcycling for over a decade, and this extensive experience helps me remain flexible when handling projects, especially in collaboration with companies. Upcycling is a process that requires an individual and creative approach, since every material has its own story and character. At the same time, when working on larger, industrial-scale projects with businesses, it is possible to develop models of operation that ensure a certain level of repeatability. This mix makes it possible to use upcycling in large-scale production.” 

This balance between uniqueness and repeatability is exactly what Repass supports. Our platform enables companies to document material histories, production choices, and sustainability metrics in a structured digital format. The result is a scalable model for circularity that retains the integrity of each material’s story. 

© Izabela Kot-Gawrylczyk

Why Every Piece Matters 

In a world of textile overproduction, upcycling offers a way to reduce waste and conserve resources. However, its true value lies in the ability to communicate the transformation in a credible, consistent, and scalable manner. 

“In today’s world of massive textile overproduction, I believe that every single piece of fabric deserves attention. Through upcycling, we not only reduce waste but also save valuable natural resources such as water and energy. For me, it is always fascinating that every upcycled piece or collection tells its own unique story. At the same time, closing textile loops has become an attractive solution for companies that want to highlight their genuine commitment to sustainability.” 

Repass and Trykot enable companies to make these stories visible. By linking original product data with upcycled outcomes, they empower brands to demonstrate impact, build trust, and differentiate themselves in a crowded sustainability landscape. This collaboration merges Trykot’s hands-on expertise in industrial-scale upcycling with Repass’ digital infrastructure, creating a powerful synergy that brings traceability, transparency, and storytelling to the forefront of circular production. 

Data Fluency Meets Material Transformation 

Upcycling is not just a physical process; it is a narrative. When that narrative is supported by structured data, it becomes a strategic asset. 

“Each upcycling project is a unique story, and I always strive to tell those stories – highlighting the extraordinary transformations that occur when discarded materials find new life. For a long time, I lacked a tool that would help communicate these transformations in a digital, engaging way. Combining upcycling with technology feels like the perfect match, opening up so many opportunities – not only for documenting the journey of each item, but also for sharing values, creating transparency, and inspiring greater involvement in sustainable practices. Integrating data with upcycling brings the process to life and makes every piece part of a bigger and more accessible story.” 

This is where digital product passports play a central role. Repass provides the digital infrastructure to structure and share product stories, while Trykot contributes the material expertise needed to make those stories real. Together, we enable traceable upcycling at scale by connecting data with physical transformation in a way that is accessible across the value chain, from procurement to end users. This synergy makes it possible to communicate not only what was made, but also how and why it matters. 

Industry Response: Strategic Value Across Sectors 

The concept of a digital product passport attached to an upcycled item is gaining traction across industries. From logistics and banking to fashion and events, companies are recognizing the strategic value of data-driven upcycling. 

“The concept of a digital product passport attached to an upcycled physical product is a truly innovative approach. This digital storytelling for each piece is not only fascinating but also opens up a range of new possibilities. International companies – whether in banking, logistics, events, or fashion – see clear benefits in adopting a data-driven upcycling model. Combining upcycling with a digital product passport becomes a real asset, as it not only demonstrates their commitment to sustainable business practices, but most importantly, serves end users by providing them with valuable insights about the product they receive.” 

“A DPP helps track the material’s journey, tells the product’s unique story, and enhances trust and transparency throughout the value chain. For companies, especially those operating on a large scale, this approach elevates the brand’s reputation and creates a stronger connection with conscious consumers who value openness and responsibility.” 

These reflections echo what we hear from our partners: Repass and Trykot make upcycling traceable and impactful. By turning material histories into verifiable data, we can help brands build trust, demonstrate value, and connect with conscious consumers. 

© Izabela Kot-Gawrylczyk

Setting a New Goal for Circularity 

This collaboration with Trykot and Izabela Kot-Gawrylczyk marks a new chapter in scalable circular production. By combining industrial upcycling expertise with Repass’ data infrastructure, companies can move from isolated sustainability efforts to integrated, traceable, and repeatable circular systems. 

Upcycling at scale is no longer a contradiction. With the right expertise and the right tools, it becomes a viable, repeatable, and deeply meaningful practice. When paired with digital product passports, it becomes a new standard for circularity—one that respects the uniqueness of materials while enabling transparency, accountability, and strategic value creation. 

Repass looks forward to sharing more from this collaboration in the months ahead.