About us: sustainability
UPCYCLING VS RECYCLING
It seems like a new word, but upcycling has been practised for ever.
Upcycling creates something new by reusing all or part of something else as it is. The something new can have the same function as the original, or it can become something completely different. In comparison, recycling generally involves converting the object’s raw materials into something new - think of all those glass or plastic bottles that are melted down and re-formed.
Upcycling and recycling can both be great for the environment, the economy, and our conscience, but upcycling uses way less energy to get to where you want to be.
Mill Made is committed to finding new and useful ways to upcycle and recycle.
This is where it all began
The retired windmill sailcloth from the Middelste Molen in Cabauw. Check out our new line of aprons made from this still very useful piece of fabric
On the cutting-room floor
Each apron shape was carefully drawn to make the most of the marvellous markings left by the wind and rain on the sailcloth. The result is that each apron is unique
Eindelijk… Erik - the apron
And this is the marvellous outcome. A very handsome, limited edition apron, which has a story or three to tell
centuries-old Sustainable Power Sources
Windmills and watermills once dotted the Dutch landscape, and numbered in their thousands. They could be found in cities and towns, and out in the countryside, harnessing mother nature to generate power that operated their machinery. Milling is an age-old story of sustainable energy production, and continues today.
Supporting Rare Trades
In comparison with the numbers of mills centuries past, there are fewer still operating, but thankfully they are cared for by passionate people. They are the ones who tend, maintain and operate these precious mills on our behalf.
The purchase of Mill Made products helps to keep these rare crafts and traditions alive.
Mills, and therefore the miller’s craft, play a significant social and cultural role in Dutch society and have an iconic value, contributing to a sense of identity and continuity
according to UNESCO
Banner image: Welgelegen Mill with sailing boats on the river near Zwijndrecht, not dated, H.J.Tollens photographer, photograph, Stichting Molendocumentatie Collection, 01270