Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is YNG?
YNG is a upcycling brand based and we transform discarded or preloved materials into elevated, minimal, and unisex lifestyle products.
We believe in giving new life to materials through thoughtful design, ensuring sustainability meets aesthetics.
What does YNG stand for?
YNG represents a new generation of mindful consumers who appreciate intentional design, neutral tones, and pieces that carry a story.
Where is YNG based?
We operate primarily in Singapore, and our vision is all across Southeast Asia region. We work with cafes, small businesses, and like-minded creatives to expand upcycled living.
Why is upcycling important?
Because it reduces waste, saves materials from landfills gives them a second life, and teaches us to value what we already have while preserving craftsmanship in a world of fast production. In a fast moving city like Singapore, upcycling reminds us to slow down, and reimagine what we throw away.
What upcycling actually means (and what it definitely doesn’t)
Upcycling is the process of transforming existing materials into something of higher value, quality, and design. At YNG, upcycling means taking coffee grounds, upholstery fabric offcuts, old clothes and turning them into practical, aesthetic products that looks like they costed more than before and something you actually will use.
Upcycling reduces waste, saves high-quality materials from landfills, and creates meaningful pieces with a story.
Upcycling vs Recycling: What’s the difference?
Recycling breaks down materials. Destruction -> Remanufacturing. Materials are broken down for example plastic melted, fabric pulped. The quality decreases and this process usually requires large amounts of energy and water.
Upcycling upgrades them. Preservation -> Transformation. Materials stays intact and the design in YNG elevates their value. It uses much lesser energy and each item is absolutely unique. YNG upcycles because it lets us work with real textures and materials, creating pieces that are more meaningful than anything mass produced.
Are upcycled products more expensive?
Upcycling is a craft, and not mass production. Every piece takes time and meticulous planning from sorting, cleaning, design and hand finishing. It is made handmade, limited and material dependant slow, intentional designs.
The cost reflects:
Cleaning and preparing materials
Design time, each piece being unique
Handcrafting. Not factory production
Premium quality control
Limited supply or one off pieces. When the material ends, it ends.
In upcycling, scarcity - authenticity. No 2 pieces are exactly the same and that’s the luxury.
Is upcycling clean and safe?
100%. All YNG materials go through full cleaning and sanitisation processes before they are turned into products or used in workshops. And at YNG, every material goes through a strict sanitisation process.
Coffee grounds are dried, sterilised, heat treated to ensure complete drying. Mould free
Upholstery fabrics are washed, steam sanitized, and inspected
Old clothes are also washed and pre treated before being turned into every product you see
We only use materials that meet our internal quality standards: Clean, Strong, Durable and Safe.
Are upcycled products durable?
Yes. Durability depends on the original material and how one uses it. Upholstery material is strong, T-shirt cotton is soft but sturdy, banner canvas material is extremely strong, coffee soap is long lasting and exfoliating. Upcycled doesn’t mean fragile - it means smart. Because these materials mostly have already ‘lived’, we know how they perform. YNG chooses materials for: Strength, Texture, Longevity, Aesthetic quality. Every product is tested before release.
What kind of upcycled products does YNG offer?
Unisex accessories (e.g., large bag tags embroidered with curated or custom quotes)
Lifestyle products (e.g., coffee grounds soap scrub bars, upcycled bags and pouches)
Workshops & DIY kits (e.g., Upcycled T-shirt yarn, coaster weaving, upcycled coffee grounds soap scrub bars)
We also offer alteration and redesigning services for your preloved items.
Can I request a custom order?
Yes! Speak to us if you would like us to custom your piece. For other special requests, feel free to reach out—we love a creative challenge.
Where do you source your materials?
We collect materials from trusted partners, including local cafes (for coffee grinds), textile remnants, and post-consumer waste. Every piece is intentionally chosen for durability and aesthetic potential.
Are your products gender-neutral?
Yes, YNG designs are minimal, unisex, and timeless, making them suitable for all.
Where to buy upcycled gifts in Singapore?
Singapore has a growing upcycling scene, but design-led pieces are still rare locally. YNG offers: oversized statement quote bag tags (our bestseller), coffee ground soap bars, T-shirt braided coasters, oversized tote bags, pouch, sustainable gift kits. All in clean, gender neutral aesthetic suitable for all ages.
What can I do with old teeshirts?
You can turn them into braided coasters or decor, yarn, cleaning clothes, bags, pet toys. At YNG, we use T-shirt cotton to create aesthetic braided coasted in our workshops. Home or lifestyle pieces that last longer.
What upcycling workshops does YNG offer?
YNG offers hands-on upcycling workshops within Southeast Asia, including coffee grounds soap bars, T-shirt yarn weaving, freehand embroidery for mending, and custom corporate sustainability workshops designed for companies team building workshops, HR teams, and community groups.
We run hands-on upcycling experiences, including:
Coffee Grounds Soap Scrub Bar Workshop (with take-home kits available)
T-Shirt & Braided Coaster Workshop (focused on color matching & aesthetics)
Free Hand Embroidery Workshop (for mending or adding cute motifs)
We host:
Corporate team building
CSR sustainability programmes
Private groups and schools
Pop-ups with brands and cafes
Are the workshops suitable for beginners?
Yes, all upcycling workshops are beginner-friendly and require no prior crafting experience. Our corporate sustainability workshops are designed for diverse teams, from eco novices to creative professionals.
Can YNG customize a workshop for me and my group or party?
Yes, we create customised upcycling workshops for corporate clients, private groups, schools, and CSR sustainability programmes. Contact us with your group size and goals, and we’ll tailor the perfect experience.Send us a message for more details here.
What happens in an upcycling workshop?
In a typical upcycling workshop, participants learn sustainability principles while turning waste materials into useful, design-led products. These sessions are ideal for corporate team building, ESG events, CSR initiatives, schools, and private groups.
Can you offer private or corporate workshops?
YNG offers private and corporate upcycling workshops in Singapore for companies, teams, schools, and special events. Workshops are structured to be meaningful, engaging, and suitable for all skill levels.
Do you sell DIY kits?
Yes! YNG’s DIY upcycling kits let you enjoy sustainability projects at home. These make great eco gifts and team activity kits for small groups. Contact us to get your curated kits.
Wholesale and collaborations?
We offer wholesale opportunities for cafés, boutiques, lifestyle stores, and corporate partnerships. Reach out to discuss bulk upcycled products and bespoke upcycling workshop partnerships.
Sustainability & Ethics
How does YNG contribute to sustainability?
We believe in upcycling over recycling, turning waste into desirable, long-lasting pieces.
By repurposing materials and offering workshops, we aim to inspire conscious consumption by extending lifespan of unwanted materials before they reach landfills.
Are your products 100% sustainable?
While we strive for full sustainability, we also prioritize durability and design. Some items may include new components when necessary for longevity, but we always make ethical choices.
What materials can be upcycled?
Many materials from cotton, upholstery fabric, banners, coffee grounds, denim, metal, paper and more. We work with materials we curate to produce clean, premium, and aesthetic results that are useful.
Do you accept all old clothes and materials?
Not at the moment - we only work with specific materials that meet our quality and cleaning standards. Check in to see if your materials fits the bill. To ensures product consistency, hygiene and durability.
What to do with used coffee grounds?
Dry then, deodorise them, exfoliate with them or turn them into soap with us. At YNG, we upcycle coffee grounds from cafes into soap scrub bars or soap bars. Clean, aesthetic and effective.
How can I start my own upcycling journey?
Start small—reuse, repurpose, and get creative! Our workshops and DIY kits are a great way to begin.
Follow us on [Instagram @y-ng.co] for inspiration.
Orders, Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship?
We currently ship worldwide. If your location isn’t listed, send us a message, and we’ll try to accommodate. Shipping fees applies.
How long does shipping take?
Processing time is 4-10 days to craft, with standard shipping taking 3-14 days depending on your location. Express options are available. Please reach out and let us know if you would like express.
What is your return policy?
Due to the upcycled nature of our products, all sales are final.
However, if you receive a defective or incorrect item, contact us within 3 days upon receiving for a resolution.
Wholesale & Collaborations
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes! If you’re a café, boutique, or concept store interested in carrying our upcycled products, let’s chat.
Can I collaborate with YNG?
We are big on collaborations and love working with creatives, designers, and businesses that align with our values. Reach out to connect!
Contact Us
How can I get in touch?
For questions, orders, or collaborations, the fastest way is to send us a message at +65 89596776 or DM us on Instagram @y-ng.co.
Let’s create a future where waste becomes wearable, functional, and aesthetic. ♻️