As the world continues to become more environmentally conscious, we’ve seen a rise in recycled plastic products.
Plastics find uses in everything, from clothing to kitchen appliances. This article explores some of the coolest examples of recycled plastic products.
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What is recycled plastic
Recycled plastic is a type of recycled material that can transform into new products. It’s different from traditional plastics because the source material comes from other items already in circulation.
This means it can be more cost-effective to produce. There are many different types of recycled plastics available on the market today:
- polyethylene terephthalate (PETE): used in water bottles;
- high-density polyethylene (HDPE): found in milk jugs and shampoo bottles;
- low-density polyethylene (LDPE): used as shrink wrap on some food packaging.
Innovative products made with recycled plastics
Here are some useful products that come from recycled plastic, produced by some very innovative start-ups and companies:
1. Eco friendly crochet bag
The Sak is a women’s handbag company, and they have a line of recycled bags that are made from bottles collected in Bali, Indonesia. The bags are affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly.
The recycling process used by The Sak involves collecting discarded plastic bottles from local communities, where they then melt down into raw material pellets and become fabric sheets. They can take then different shapes and sewn together to create the final product.
2. High-performing technical jackets
Patagonia is a company that makes clothing and other products using recycled materials. The Nano Puff Jacket is from recycled plastic bottles, which means it’s lightweight, waterproof, and windproof.
3. Dog toys and accessories
West Paw is a pet product company that makes dog toys from recycled plastic bottles. They’re made from 100% recycled plastic, which means no new resources are used in their production. The Zogoflex and Seaflex lines of toys are also non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about your dogs getting sick when they chew on them.
4. Yoga mats
Suga is a company that makes yoga mats from previously used plastics. The mats are eco-friendly, lightweight, and durable. The Suga mat is easy to clean because it’s waterproof: you can just wipe off any dirt with a damp cloth.
5. Safety razors
If you’re looking for a good example of a recycled plastic product, look no further than the Preserve – POPi Safety Razor. This stylish razor uses recycled plastic to make its handle and is extremely durable.
6. Chairs and furniture pieces
The classic Adirondack chair is made from recycled plastic. It can be left outside year-round and will not crack or fade in the sun. Polywood furniture is UV resistant, durable, and weatherproof.
7. Toys, kitchen utensils and lunch boxes
In addition to toys, Green Toys also makes other products like kitchen utensils and lunch boxes. Their products come from recycled milk jugs that are turned into sturdy plastic with an eco-friendly manufacturing process. It has a detachable propeller and floats in water, making it great for bathtime fun.
8. Sunglasses and accessories
Bureo is a sustainable sunglasses company that uses recycled fishing nets to make their sunglasses. They’re based in Costa Rica, where they use local labor and materials to create their products. The result? A pair of shades that’s not only good for the planet, but also helps support the local economy.
9. Activewear leggings
These leggings are a blend of recycled plastic and cotton. The company uses recycled plastic bottles to create their fabric, which they then turn into activewear items like these leggings.
Read also: How to recycle face masks? The most ingenious circular economy solutions
