What Products Can Be Made Recycled Plastic?
According to the World Economic Forum, the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic waste each year. As we continue to rely on plastic more and more, estimates suggest that this figure will only rise over the years if nothing is done about it.
Since 2018, the drive to recycle plastics has increased considerably. We are constantly looking for products that can be made from recycled plastic and more innovative ways to recycle plastic. Unfortunately, many forms of plastic are not recyclable, hence the need for research.
In this article, we will look closely at ten different products that can be made using recycled plastic and their uses in our daily lives. This will not only help us lead better lives but also lead to a brighter future for our younger generations!
9 Products that can be made of Recycled Plastic
1. Textiles
Fabric products made from recycled plastic are becoming increasingly popular. From jackets and sweaters to activewear, recycled plastic products are lightweight but durable. They also have the added benefit of being more waterproof than their counterparts.
This is done by combining recycled plastic with organic cotton, which eliminates the need for additional dyes or chemicals, or also by upcycling plastics and fabrics, where old clothing is taken apart carefully and then reweaved together with new material to create something entirely new. As a result, products made from recycled plastic are often much more sustainable than their traditional counterparts.
Companies such as Patagonia have been doing this for years, creating sustainable apparel that looks good and does good for the environment.
2. Packaging
Plastic packaging has been around for decades, but products made from recycled plastic are often lighter and more sustainable than traditional products. This makes them perfect for storing food, beverages, and other items.
For instance, products such as egg cartons, food containers, and bottles can be made from recycled plastic. This leads to less waste since products made from recycled plastic are more easily recyclable than their traditional counterparts.
3. Furniture
Furniture made from recycled plastic is becoming increasingly popular in modern homes and offices alike. Recycled plastic is ideal for furniture production due to its durability and low cost compared to other materials like wood or metal. Products such as chairs, tables, benches, counters, shelves, and many others can all be manufactured from recycled plastics.
A prime example of recycled plastic furniture is how home decor furniture and plastic chairs are made from used plastic bottles in factories. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes into landfills and oceans while also providing environmentally friendly and durable products.
4. Toys
Plastic is an essential material in today's toys industry. Products such as dolls, action figures, building blocks, and many others can be made from recycled plastic, and are thus more sustainable. Recycling damaged toys reduces waste in landfills and gives an opportunity to create new ones.
Many companies are actively partaking in the recycled toys initiative, creating better toys with older plastics.
5. Electronics
Plastic products such as mobile phone cases, keyboards, and computer components can all be manufactured from recycled plastics. The use of recycled plastic in electronic products does not only reduce the amount of plastic waste going into landfills, but also reduces costs for manufacturers.
Apple and Samsung are two prime examples of electronics companies using recycled plastic for their products.
6. Bags & Purses
Recycled plastic bags and purses are becoming increasingly popular due to their low cost and durability compared to other materials like leather or cloth. Recycled products made from plastic can be used for shopping, storage, and many other purposes.
7. Home Decor
Home decor products such as lighting, planters, and vases can all be made from recycled plastic. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste going into landfills while also providing durable and environmentally friendly products.
8. Flooring
Recycled products such as vinyl or carpet tiles are becoming increasingly popular for flooring in homes and offices alike. These products are made from recycled plastics, which helps reduce the amount of waste going into landfills while also providing more affordable products.
Many floor vinyl and roofing materials are now made from recycled plastic to maintain cost-effectiveness and reduce environmental impacts. As many home-owners might believe that floors and tiles made from recycled plastic would lose their quality quicker, it is actually the opposite: most companies selling recycled flooring actually offer products that are sustainable but also of stronger quality and hold better through time.
9. Shoes & Footwear
Products such as flip flops, sandals and sneakers can all be made from recycled plastics, mostly from plastic bottles. Footwear accounts for around 20% of the fashion industry’s total pollution, so it is about time we find some sustainable solution to this problem, especially since shoes are a product consumers tend to keep for a short period of time before throwing them and buying new ones (only a few years), and current consumption model incites everyone to own many pairs of shoes.
Many companies are now investing in recycled plastic footwear and creating new styles, colors and textures with each season. Some brands are specialized in Recycled Footwear but even brands with the most popularity are developing eco-friendly products. They are usually not 100% recycled plastic made, but we are walking towards a greener path as they use recycled plastic or recycle rubber from old pairs.
Final Words
This demonstrates how recycled plastic can be used to create various products, from furniture all the way through to shoes and beyond. By investing in these materials, we can help reduce our environmental impact and make a positive contribution towards a sustainable future.
At RECAPP, we strive to show the world how products made from recycled plastic can offer a wide range of benefits over traditional products. Not only do we help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, but we also help with educational and awareness campaigns in order to reduce environmental impact.
Regardless of the type or quantity of recyclable plastic you have at your disposal; we are here to help you understand the importance of recycling. You, too, can become a part of this revolution and do your part in making the world a better place!