It’s no news to people that plastic pollution is increasing day by day and landfills are getting filled at an alarming rate. Plastic is a very durable material and does not decompose easily. So, it’s high time we should stop using single-use plastic and instead go for products made from recycled plastic. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a list of such innovative products.
Everyday Products Made From Recycled Plastic
As you all know it’s a durable material and through recycling, it can be used again and again. Firstly, this plastic waste is collected and then processed to be reused. This amazing step wards off the waste from entering our oceans and landfills. This also minimizes the demand for new plastic. Now, let’s start with the list below and prepare to be amazed by what all plastic can be recycled into-
1. Plastic Water Bottles
PET is probably the most common type of plastic which is one of the easiest to recycle too. Choosing virgin plastic bottles is really harmful and one should go for recycled ones, they are easy to find too. Eco-conscious customers always favor these bottles as they can be recycled multiple times. In fact, many major beverage companies like Evian are now dedicated to using only 100% recycled PET bottles. These are easily the most simple products made from recycled materials.
Also Read: 30+ Shocking Plastic Pollution Facts with Stats
2. Shampoo, Toiletry Bottles, and Laundry Detergent Bottles
All these items are made from PET plastic which is again the most commonly used packaging material. But some brands are offering us a sustainable solution with recycled plastic packaging for toiletries. With zero waste options, these brands are using biodegradable or compostable packaging materials without harmful chemicals.
3. Toothbrushes
We all use plastic toothbrushes that are discarded after a couple of months and end up in landfills. To avoid it we can use toothbrushes made from 100% recycled polypropylene as they are easily composted commercially or at home.
4. Razors
Using plastic razors and discarding them after a couple of uses is a common scenario. However, some brands are providing personal care products made from recycled plastics. They are also offering a mail-back recycling program to avoid ending them in landfills.
One such company is Preserve which launched an amazing initiative, Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative (POPi). The company teamed up with partners to clean beaches and remove plastic from the ocean. It then recycles this plastic and turns it into razors, tableware, and toothbrushes.
5. Sunglasses
Who knew old fish nets could be used to create fashion items but Bureo has made it possible. It uses them to craft jackets, accessories, and even skateboards. It works along with the local communities and conservation groups to gather these nets from South American coastlines.
The best part about sunglasses is that when you’re done using them, you can recycle them through Bureo’s program.
6. Phone Case
Whoever owns a phone, changes through multiple phone cases throughout the phone’s lifespan. If we start using recycled cases, imagine how much plastic we’ll stop entering the waste stream this way. Companies like are coming forward to bring this change. This company has been the top-selling waterproof case in the US.
Now it offers the eco-friendly WAKE case for iPhones, which is made from 85% recycled ocean-based plastic. It can withstand drops from 6.6 feet and has a sleek one-piece design with a calming wave pattern. For today’s generation, such cases are among the most useful things made from recycled materials.
For more details, take aa look at our post – What to Do With Old Phone Cases? 5 Cool Ways to Repurpose or Recycle
7. Dinnerware and Kitchen Tools
Yes, durable dinnerware is also made from recycled plastic For example:
- Colorful bowls, plates, and utensils by Re-Play. As they are free from harmful chemicals like BPA, Phthalates, PVC, or Melamine, they are considered safe for both kids and adults.
- Turn also sells reusable plastic cups and bottles for stadiums, venues, and offices. Their cups are made from defective plastic products. This prevents millions of disposables from ending up in landfills or oceans in Australia and New Zealand over the past 8 years.
- Another one on the list is Brothers Make, a UK-based company creating cutting boards from recycled plastic bottle caps.
8. Grocery Bags and Trash Bags
These 2 plastic bags are used in everyday chores. If we start substituting them with eco-friendly options we can cut down plastic waste on a large scale.
These days grocery stores are providing reusable bags either made from recycled plastic or other eco-friendly materials. Moreover, we should opt for biodegradable trash bags too for reducing our carbon footprint.
9. Pens and Pencils
Leading brands offer eco-friendly pen and pencil collections made from post-consumer waste. For example, Schneider offers pens made from recycled plastic.
However, the most environmentally friendly options still are bamboo writing utensils that are entirely plastic-free.
10. Diapers
Surprisingly, even diapers can be crafted from recycled plastic! Some companies like Esembly have introduced a new line of sustainable cloth diapers that are made from recycled plastic.
Globally, 250 million single-use nappies are thrown away every day. Thus, if we need them, we can opt for diapers with eco-friendly materials.
11. Dog and Kid Toys
By being conscious while choosing toys for your fur and human babies, you can make a significant impact. Some companies offering eco-friendly toys are Green Toys and West Paw. Their toys are made from recycled plastics, are non-toxic, BPA-free and FDA-approved. Also, their soft toys are made from recycled polyester and their durable chew toys are recycled into new toys.
12. Yoga Mat
Exercising is important for a healthy and fit lifestyle. Similarly, using eco-friendly yoga/exercise mats is beneficial for our planet’s health.
Suga manufactures yoga mats made from 100% recycled neoprene wetsuits. They are considered one of the most innovative products made from recycled materials.
13. Shoes
Yes, there are shoes available made from recycled plastic derived from plastic soda bottles and jugs, including other eco-friendly materials. Their composing materials do not compromise their longevity, durability, comfort, or style.
Parley for the Oceans works in collaboration with brands like Adidas to raise awareness about ocean pollution and find solutions for it. Together they have created The Ultra Boost shoes. Its upper side is made from reclaimed yarn from ocean waste and fishing nets.
Didn’t it feel amazing learning what plastic bottles can be recycled into?
14. Clothing
It is an important choice because 3 out of 5 clothes are discarded within the 1st year of production. This leads to 92 million tons of textile waste ending in landfills yearly.
Some brands offering a sustainable solution are as follows:
- Wolven and Marda manufacture sustainable swimwear made from recycled plastic bottles and nylon.
- Hakea, a famous Australian brand, manufactures swimwear made from recycled nylon. It also uses ECONYL which is sourced from ghost fishing nets, ocean plastic, and fabric mill waste.
- Girlfriend Collective’s and Swedish Stockings manufacture leggings and stockings made from 79% recycled polyester, offering an eco-friendly fashion option. They collect old plastic nets and transform them into regenerated yarn. They then make stockings and hosiery using this yarn.
15. Backpacks
There are many companies that offer backpacks made from recycled plastics. They use post-consumer waste as their main source.
InCase is a named Australian brand that produces a wide range of carry cases, backpacks, toiletry bags, and accessories. They have currently partnered with BIONIC® to create a collection of commuter bags, accessory organizers, and laptop sleeves using BIONIC® Ripstop fabric. This fabric is entirely made from recycled ocean plastic by BionicYarn.
Also check out our blog – How Much Plastic is in the Ocean: 80+ Startling Facts
16. Microsoft’s Wireless Ocean Plastic Mouse
It is interesting how these days companies are manufacturing accessories made from recycled plastics and other materials. One such is Microsoft’s wireless Ocean Plastic Mouse made from 20% recycled ocean plastic and 100% recycled materials packaging. It is made from plastic collected from waterways.
This updated packaging replaces single-use plastic versions with fully recyclable paper pulp, which is sourced from sugarcane fibers and recyclable wood. For users looking to replace their current mouse responsibly, this company also offers a mail-in service in various countries. They use it to collect old devices for recycling.
17. Furniture
Making recycled plastic furniture is a smart move, and many brands are gaining popularity for the outdoor furniture they produce.
- One of them is Polywood which uses recycled HDPE from milk jugs and detergent bottles. Their products are thus both stylish and durable while also being eco-friendly.
- Then there are also companies like Anti which is dedicated to upcycling rarely recycled items. Its debut collection showcases desk and table lamps made from discarded umbrellas.
In response to the pressing issue of plastic pollution, artists such as Howard Chung and Irene Cheng are also taking action. They are crafting public furniture from single-use plastic waste. Despite the low recycling rate for Hong Kong’s plastics (only 13%), they didn’t give up. They actively sourced recyclable HDPE plastics from NGOs and recycling centers to create 12 benches.
Similarly, an artist called Angela Pozzi is also transforming waste plastic found in beaches and oceans into sculptures. She is conveying a powerful environmental message through her artwork.
Cross-reference: Precious Plastics: Turning Plastic Trash into Art
18. Rugs and Carpets
Plastic bottles are melted down and spun into fibers. These fibers are then crafted into eco-friendly mats, rugs, or entire rolls of carpeting. These truly deserve to be called innovative products made from recycled plastic bottles.
Let’s see the example of Fab Habitat. It specializes in making rugs and soft home furnishings from recycled materials. The recycled plastic for its products is sourced from either PET soda bottles or Polypropylene food and medicine containers.
19. Recycled Blankets
Founded in March 2016, Seljak Brand is creating recycled blankets to promote a circular economy. They have partnered up with suppliers in Australia and Europe to make blankets from recycled wool that can be recycled again later.
Their blankets are made from materials like factory offcuts, unused yarn, and old woolen jumpers. They have even won awards for reducing waste and supporting sustainability.
20. Wooden Decking
A Virginia-based company has also developed a sustainable substitute for traditional wooden decking. They first recycle sawdust and plastic bags and then transform them into composite deck boards. They have become one of the largest plastic bag recyclers in the US.
The process involves cleaning and grinding plastic bags into granules. These are then mixed with reclaimed sawdust and molded into boards. Trex, the company behind this innovation, uses a nationwide recycling program to source plastic bags.
Also Read: How to Recycle Plastic Bottles at Home: 10 Easy Methods
21. Fishing Nets and Recycled Surfboard Fin
Companies are producing fishing nets and surfboards made from recycled plastics. Australia-based Five Oceans has made ecoFin surfboard in the shape of a fin. It is made from recycled plastics like old fishing nets and plastic bottle caps.
22. Car Parts
It is another interesting innovation to make car parts like fascias and internal fittings from recycled plastics. They are as durable as traditional ones but do not affect the environment like them. Some major brands like Toyota, General Motora, Nissan, Honda, and Chrysler are following the trend.
23. Traffic Cones
Typically, the plastic cones you see are made from PVC, which is a strong type of plastic but isn’t often recycled. However, it can be recycled and reused to make durable items like traffic cones and barricades. This material is also used in other traffic control items like speed bumps.
24. Building Materials, Bricks, Plastic Lumbers
This is an era of construction and buildings. If we incorporate recycled plastic in our building materials, we’ll help our environment a lot. Tough plastics like PVC are increasingly being used in construction for applications like window frames, fencing, and decking. Recycled PVC is also being repurposed in products like garage floor tiles, guttering, and drainage pipes.
In Nairobi, Nzambi Matee is doing a great job of addressing Kenya’s plastic pollution problem with her company Gjenge Makers. This company recycles plastic waste into bricks that are stronger than concrete. Gjenge Makers produces nearly 500 to 1000 bricks per day. This is also accountable for recycling nearly 500 kilograms of plastic waste daily.
Cross-reference: Kenyan Startup Founder Nzambi Matee Recycles Plastic To Make Bricks That Are Stronger Than Concrete
Similarly, we can see recycled plastic lumber is becoming a more and more popular option as a green building material. It is derived from PET flakes and offers durability, sustainability, and is low maintenance. It is quite favored by structural engineers for its easy installation and lack of need for painting.
25. Mailers and Packaging
Some companies take sustainability very seriously and rightfully so. They even produce mailers and stationery from recycled plastic. What you can do on your part is that when sending a parcel or letter, you should opt for plastic-free mailers. They are better for the environment.
Another important point to remember is that if you have received a recycled plastic mailer, recycle it instead of throwing it away.
This article gave us a glimpse of how people and companies all over the world are trying to address plastic pollution. We also need to understand how serious this problem is and make individual efforts. We should choose recycled plastic items and minimize single-use products by opting for reusable alternatives. Each small action of ours contributes to reducing plastic waste and preserving the planet’s health. So, let’s work together for a cleaner environment!
Recommended: 20 Old Things That Can and Cannot Be Recycled
