Menno talks about Supa-Dupa Upcycles

Giving scrap wood a new life. That is something Menno van Willigenburg has been doing since the Corona crisis. His DJ business suddenly came to a standstill due to the crisis, but with his creativity and dexterity he came up with a beautiful, original concept and that is how Supa-Dupa Upcycles was born.

Supa-Dupa Upcycles

Menno had to think about what to do now, since his DJ business had suddenly come to a standstill. “On social media I asked if anyone was interested in crates made of scrap wood that I had made before. There was a nice response and I continued with this.” And that is how Supa-Dupa Upcycles was born. Now Menno makes crates, boxes or record cases from scrap wood, such as the pallets of Koffiepiraat.

Create atmosphere

Something Menno always loved was creating atmosphere and a cozy environment. “I don’t have a background in making furniture, but as a child I was already busy making my room beautiful by painting and refurbishing my furniture.” Creating a cozy atmosphere is something he already did as a DJ and now also does by making beautiful products.

Unique concept

Without any help, Menno starts making products from scrap wood. He doesn’t know anyone who makes boxes from scrap wood like he does. Everything is recycled. When Menno sees something lying along the road, he throws it in his van, and then makes a beautiful product from it. “I think of what I want to make, I draw a design and then I get started. My creativity is also stimulated by people who want me to make something for them,” says Menno. “For example, if you want a box to store your coffee in, I’ll make that.”

Finally, who would you like to have a cup of coffee with?

“I would like to have another cup of coffee with Piet Hein Eek, he is a furniture maker from scrap wood.” Piet Hein Eek has been making furniture from residual materials for a long time. Menno says that when you make something new from scrap wood, or in other words, something sustainable, it is quickly associated with tinkering. “You do your best to make something beautiful, but people often do not see it as a full-fledged product. I would like to have a conversation with Piet Hein Eek about how we can still get credit for our work.” The challenge for Menno is to step on the gas in this new adventure. Supa-Dupa Upcycles is his main focus for the future at the moment.

Curious about what Menno makes? Check out the Supa-Dupca Upcycles website

Are you interested in other local entrepreneurs?

Read here about Richard from Jones Brothers Coffee from Amsterdam , or Floor from Max's Mints from Haarlem or Ali from Yalda Herbs from Amsterdam .