10 Must-See Recycled Plastic Products (2024)

Plastic waste is a global problem caused by the nonstop production of new plastic and the limited recycling of the billions of tons we’ve already made.

Choosing recycled plastic products is a smart way to enjoy plastic’s benefits while reducing waste and supporting eco-friendly businesses.

Let’s explore what recycled plastic is, the pros and cons of recycling, and some of the best recycled plastic products available.

From shoes and yoga mats to children’s toys and designer sunglasses, there’s something for everyone!

Let’s dive in!

What is Recycled Plastic?

Recycled plastic is made from waste plastic that has been collected and processed to create new products.

Simply put, when plastic is recycled, it’s collected, sorted, cleaned, shredded, separated by type, and then melted and compressed into pellets. These pellets are used to make new plastic items.

Recycling plastic helps reduce its environmental impact, saves resources, and keeps trash out of landfills. It supports the circular economy by reusing and regenerating materials.

Additionally, recycling helps protect the planet for future generations by reducing the harmful effects of plastic waste on ecosystems and wildlife.

While recycling seems like a great solution to the plastic waste problem, there are still many challenges that prevent it from completely solving the issue.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of recycling plastic:

Pros and Cons of Recycling Plastics

Mass-produced plastic has only been around for about 80 years, but in that time we’ve produced nearly 9 billion tons of it.

Sadly, less than 10% of all plastic gets recycled, while over 90% ends up in landfills or is incinerated.

There are several reasons for this, but let’s keep it simple and look at the pros and cons:

Pros of Recycling Plastics

• Keeps plastic out of landfills, incinerators, and the environment.
• Reduces the need for new plastic production, which is better for the environment.
• Turns single-use plastics into reusable items, keeping them out of the waste stream longer.
• Gives what would otherwise be waste additional economic worth.
• Creates jobs and boosts local and global economies.
• Reduces the amount of plastic waste that can pollute our environment, especially water bodies and oceans.

Cons of Recycling Plastics

• Only a few types of plastic are valuable as recycled material.
• Recycling is complicated and expensive, making new plastic cheaper for many industries.
• Contamination at recycling plants is a big problem because mixed plastics don’t recycle well.
• Most recycled plastics can’t be used to make the same products again because the quality drops after recycling.
• Recycled plastics degrade a bit each time they’re recycled, so they can only be recycled a few times.
• Current recycling technology can’t fully close the loop, so there’s always a need for new plastic.

As you can see, recycling plastics has both pros and cons, and there are big challenges to overcome. To truly solve these issues, changes in government policies and global strategies are needed.

Your actions as an individual consumer really do make a difference!

When we decide to live more sustainably, reduce waste, or even go fully zero-waste, we lower our impact on the environment. Over a lifetime, this adds up more than you might think! Plus, it influences the social, political, and economic landscape around us.

Choosing to buy eco-friendly products creates a demand for more sustainable goods.

When we opt for products made from recycled plastics instead of new ones, we boost the market and demand for recycled materials. This is how change happens!

26 Great Recycled Plastic Products

1. The Sak – Back to Bali Crochet Crossbody Bag

The Sak makes a variety of bags from recycled plastic collected from the ocean or picked up on its way to the ocean in Bali.

The Sak works with Oceana, Oceanworks, Plastic Bank, and other groups to tackle plastic pollution and transform it into something beautiful, useful, and durable.

Location: USA and Indonesia

What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Lightweight but sturdy and well-made
• Fabric-lined with a zippered inner pocket
• Versatile size without looking like an oversized tote

Cons:

• The lining is thin and may fray at the seams
• Some reviewers found it too big and cumbersome
• Some found the strap uncomfortable

2. Patagonia – Nano Puff Jacket

Patagonia is a well-known sustainable brand. Their Nano Puff Jackets are made with 87% recycled materials, including 100% post-consumer recycled polyester for the lining, stuffing, and shell. They are Fair Trade certified and produced with reduced emissions technology.

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Very light but warm enough for a New York City winter
• Windproof and waterproof
• Versatile style, great for layering, general wear, or hiking

Cons:

• Not warm enough for an Alaskan winter
• Light-colored option can discolor inside the neck due to oily skin
• Fit is not ideal for those with very wide shoulders and a small waist

3. West Paw – Zogoflex & Seaflex Dog Toys

West Paw makes eco-friendly dog toys from recycled plastic, using ocean-bound plastic and plastic diverted from landfills. Their soft toys are made with recycled polyester. The Zogoflex and Seaflex bouncy chew toys are durable and can be returned to West Paw to be recycled into new toys. All of West Paw’s toys are non-toxic and BPA-free.

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Super durable and long-lasting, even for dogs that usually destroy other toys
• You can put treats inside for dogs to gradually work out as they chew
• The shape makes it bounce randomly, making it more fun and keeping dogs occupied

Cons:

• Food can fall out of the openings, so some reviewers use wet food and freeze it first
• It’s very hard, which some felt was damaging their floors
• Dogs that don’t usually chew much didn’t enjoy it

Also Read: Biodegradable Paper and Plastic Packaging Market Outlook from 2024 to 2034

4. Suga – Yoga Mats

Suga makes yoga mats from 100% recycled neoprene wetsuits. These mats are tough, non-slip, and the material’s texture keeps them clean by not picking up dirt, grime, or bacteria.

They’re 5mm thick but offer extra cushioning compared to other mats of the same thickness.

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Non-slip, making it great for hot yoga and intense classes.
• Thicker and more comfortable than most mats.
• Stylish design with rounded corners and little flecks of color in mostly black material.

Cons:

• Can shed small black fibers with regular use.
• Some people found the pebbled texture uncomfortable.

5. Preserve – POPi Safety Razors

Preserve launched the Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative (POPi) to help clean up beaches and remove plastic from the ocean. They use this recycled plastic to make products like toothbrushes, razors, and tableware.

Their razors are unisex with five blades and replaceable heads, and you can recycle them completely through Preserve’s mail-back recycling program..

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Effective and durable.
• Nickel-free blades, great for people with allergies.
• Performs as well as big-brand multi-blade razors.

Cons:

• The head where the blade cartridge attaches can get loose.
• Some users found the lubricating strip too sticky.
• A few reviewers noticed that the blades rusted fairly quickly.

6. Polywood – Classic Adirondack Chair

Polywood creates outdoor furniture from recycled HDPE and other plastics, like milk jugs and detergent bottles. Their furniture is built to withstand the weather and last for years. They even offer a 20-year guarantee, and the pieces need very little maintenance.

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.7/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Super durable and stands up well to full sun exposure.
• Easy to put together.
• Very comfortable to sit in.

Cons:

• Smaller than traditional wooden Adirondack chairs.
• Comes without written assembly instructions; you’ll need your own wrench.
• Doesn’t fold up for easy storage.

7. Green Toys – Recycled Plastic Seaplane

Green Toys, based in the USA, makes kids’ toys from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. Their toys are bright, sturdy, and designed for imaginative play. Plus, they’re non-toxic, BPA-free, and FDA-approved for safety. And the best part? They’re dishwasher safe!

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.8/5 Stars):

Pros:

• High-quality and well-made.
• Easy to clean—they dry completely and water drains out with ease.
• BPA-free and non-toxic, making them a great choice for teething babies.

Cons:

• Too big for playing in the bathtub.
• Can fill with water through the drainage ports, causing it to list or sink a bit.

8. Bureo – Costa Del Mar x Bureo Victoria Sunglasses

Bureo creates jackets, accessories, and skateboards from recycled fishing nets. They work with local communities and conservation groups in South America to collect discarded nets from coastal areas.

Their Victoria sunglasses are polarized and offer 100% UV protection. The frames are lightweight and comfy, with padded nose supports. Plus, when they’re worn out, you can recycle them through Bureo’s recycling program.

Location: USA and Chile

What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):

Star rating only – no reviews available.

9. Team Timbuktu – Activewear Leggings

Team Timbuktu makes activewear and waterproof jackets using recycled plastic bottles and fabric. They also plant trees with every order, ensure fair labor practices, and use compostable packaging instead of single-use plastic.

Their leggings are built to be durable, comfortable, and breathable, plus they come with handy pockets!

Location: Australia

What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Very comfortable to wear
• Comes with pockets
• Adjustable waistband for a great fit

Cons:

• Some body shapes may find the waistband to be too small.

10. Rothys – The Flat Ladies Pumps

Rothys creates shoes and bags for both men and women using recycled plastic bottles, which they turn into yarn. This yarn is then 3D knitted into shapes, cutting down on waste. Rothys aims to be fully circular by 2025 and is already zero-waste in 2023.

They also offer a recycling program for your old Rothys shoes, and their new products include materials that have been recycled twice..

Location: USA

What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):

Pros:

• Very comfortable and don’t need a break-in period
• Available in half sizes
• Comes in lots of color options

Cons:

• Sizing can be tricky since they don’t stretch much, though the half sizes help