Second Life Merch: Giving Your Brand’s Materials a New Story

Oct 24, 2025 | Promohacks

upcycle-billboard

Most branded merchandise gets one moment in the spotlight. But what if the story didn’t stop there?

At Karst, we believe in creating second life merch—taking materials that would otherwise be discarded and transforming them into something new, useful, and worth keeping. It’s sustainability, but it’s also smart brand storytelling.

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WHY SECOND LIFE MATTERS


Visible Sustainability

Instead of just saying your brand is eco-friendly, you can show it in someone’s hands.


Extended ROI

The banners, uniforms, or collateral you already invested in get a second run as a different product.


Memorability

People don’t forget when you hand them a tote and say, “This used to be our construction fence.”
Upcycle-Banner

SOME OF WHAT WE UPCYCLE

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Banners & Textiles

From construction fencing to event backdrops, we cut and re-sew large-scale prints into tote bags, zipper pouches, aprons, or even travel kits. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, carrying part of the original design in a fresh silhouette.
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Apparel

Retired uniforms and event tees can be restyled into patches or limited-edition merch, extending the life of fabric that would otherwise head to the landfill.
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Event Materials

Flags, tablecloths, or signage can be reborn as giveaways or keepsakes, turning a one-day installation into a long-lasting story.
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Technology + Plastic Waste

The GOMI translucent power bank takes circularity beyond fabric. Made from recycled plastics and powered by repurposed e-bike batteries, it’s repairable for life and keeps your brand charging forward. Plastic bags and ocean plastics are gathered to compress into awards.
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HOW IT WORKS

You provide the materials, we clean and prep—banners, apparel, plastics, etc.

We design with intention—mockups show what your materials could become.

We prototype and sample—so you see (and feel) the transformation.

We produce at scale—with durable, retail-grade quality.

We tell the story—with hang tags or packaging that explains the second life origin.

The Bigger Picture

It’s not just a sustainability trend. It’s about turning “waste” into a differentiator. It’s about showing your audience that your brand doesn’t just make promises—it makes creative, tangible statements.

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Imagine The Possibilities

A charger that once powered e-bikes, now charging your phone at a conference.
A tote bag stitched from a banner that once wrapped your building.
A pouch made from last season’s signage, handed out as this season’s story.
That’s what second life merch looks like—and it’s how your brand can stand out while doing good.

Ready to give your materials a second life?

Contact Us

PROMOHACKS

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