Innovative products from recycled plastic across various industries - jbecotex

July 15, 2022

Plastic consumption has become a serious concern recently, considering the huge amounts of plastic waste being dumped in landfills and into the ocean. The more serious thing is that the numbers are predicted to increase, which would mean a threat to the environmental balance. Plastic has played a vital role in the designing and development several products that would have been impossible otherwise. Storage containers, cell phones, packaged drinking water and beverages, toys, you can find plastic around you everywhere. Unfortunately, all the waste products are polluting water and soil and interfering with the health of living beings. Several incidents have been reported where water animals have died due to plastic consumption.

There have been studies that predict plastic presence in the ocean outgrowing fishes in weight which is unbelievable and hazardous. Authorities have been taking steps to combat the growing issue and have introduced extended producer responsibility as a mandate for brands and plastic manufacturers. Here, companies need to be responsible for collecting back all the plastic they have introduced into the system and reusing it after recycling.

Some companies have welcomed this policy with great enthusiasm and are playing their role by using recyclable plastic in their products. This is hope since brands are innovating and designing plastic products for better functionality and sustainability. Moreover, recycled PET flakes are of high quality and can be easily used for making products. Here are a few product types that have gained popularity and are environmentally friendly.

Innovative Plastic

  1. Fishnet recycling
    Fishnets are the major source of plastic pollution in the oceans. Sea animals entangled in nets tend to lose life or face disability. Recently, a brand in California took up the mission of recycling fishnets into other products like sunglasses, clothing, skateboards, Frisbee, etc. This is a great initiative as the products designed from recycled nets are of good quality and useful.
  2. Shoes and socks
    This might sound crazy, but it is true. A shoe brand has taken a step forward by designing shoes made of recycled PET fiber. PET fiber is also known as regenerated polyester staple fiber. This fiber is believed to have high strength, impact, and abrasion resistance. Thus, these are a perfect choice for people wanting high-performance sports shoes.
    On the other hand, one can find comfortable and durable socks made from recycled plastic. The plastic waste is collected from various sources and then is flaked to form beads and chips that are further spun into fiber yarns. This is indeed an innovative approach to using discarded plastic without compromising product quality.
  3. Sculptures from plastic waste
    Yes, you may be amazed to read this one, but it is true. An artist named Angela Pozzi is well known for transforming waste plastic collected from beaches and oceans into beautiful sculptures. These sculptures have a powerful message about conserving the environment. Several of her artwork is displayed outside popular spots with an aim to achieve maximum awareness against plastic pollution. Inspired by her, today, several artists in different parts of the world use their creativity and innovatively use plastic.
  4. Plastic lumbers
    Plastic lumbers have become quite popular as building and structural material. These heavy-duty lumbers are made of PET flakes and an amazing alternative for wood. The benefits of using recycled lumbers are that the material is durable, sustainable, easy to maintain, and environment-friendly at the same time. Structural engineers prefer plastic lumbers as they are easy to install and do not need to be painted. Also, some lumbers are being used in making outdoor furniture. This innovative product is believed to be of immense use in the future and will help deal with plastic waste.
  5. Carpets, rugs, and other décor items
    This special section wherein recycled polyester staple fiber is transformed into beautiful rugs, curtains, cushion fillings, carpets, and so on. This is possible because the fiber obtained from recycling plastic is dye-able. Thus, one can find bright-colored rugs to match the home décor. The interior designing industry has been increasingly considering recycled fiber for its products since it offers properties and benefits equivalent to virgin fiber. Thus, manufacturers consume a large proportion of the waste for recycling.
    With people becoming aware of the need to use recyclable plastic and the right mechanism to dispose of, the fight is on. Some brands have established reverse vending machines. Here, people can collect all the plastic waste and deposit it in the machine in exchange for money. Thus, it is an amazing proposition for both parties. While end-users get money for the waste they were otherwise going to dump in dustbins, companies get waste that can be directly directed to the recycling centers. It helps in making the plastic lifecycle circular which is a requisite for a better future.

Innovative Plastic

Recycling is undoubtedly a strategy we need to take up to deal with waste. However, we as end-consumer still need to be watchful of the plastic consumption patterns. It is recommended to minimize the use of plastic no matter even if it is recyclable. Today, there are several alternatives to plastic that we should opt for.

Complete elimination of plastic is impossible, but intelligent use of plastic products is achievable. With brands becoming active and innovative in designing different products, it is the responsibility of end-users as well. Plastic recycling has emerged as an industry, and several companies have ventured into it. However, governments have developed policies wherein it is compulsory for such businesses to register themselves. This registration ensures that the company adheres to government guidelines and uses the best recycling technology to render high-quality products. This will help to create awareness and get away with the reluctance amongst people who feel that products made with recycled flakes or chips may not be of good quality. Once the process is established and end consumers start following disposal guidelines, the process is set to become easy.

Recycled products will help us deal with plastic pollution in the future. We need to render a well-balanced, clean and healthy environment to our future generations and thus, this battle should be won anyhow.

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