Plastic waste is a global crisis, driven by the endless production of new plastic and the limited recycling of the billions of tons of plastics we have already created.
Let’s take a look at what recycled plastic is, the pros and cons of recycling plastics, and some of the best recycled plastic products on the market.
From shoes to yoga mats, children’s toys to designer sunglasses, there is something for everyone on this list!
Let’s dive right in!
What is Recycled Plastic?
Recycled plastic is plastic made from waste plastic, which has been recovered and processed into a material that can be re-used to make new plastic products.
In the simplest terms, when plastic is recycled, plastic items are collected, sorted, cleaned, shredded, separated into types, and then melted down and compressed into plastic pellets. Those pellets are then used to make a new plastic item.
In addition, the recycling of plastics lowers the environmental impact of plastic production, saves vital resources, and diverts garbage from landfills. Recycling plays an important part in the circular economy by renewing plastic waste and promoting the continual reuse and regeneration of materials.
Furthermore, recycling plastic protects the well-being of our planet for future generations by reducing the negative effects of plastic waste on ecosystems and species.
Recycling might seem like the perfect solution to the ever-worsening plastic waste crisis. However, many challenges prevent recycling from completely solving the problem.To learn more about the leading companies excelling in recycling plastic, check out our article on the best recycling plastic companies
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 have produced close to 9 billion tons of plastic.
Sadly, less than 10% of all plastic is recycled, and the remaining 90%+ is sent to landfills or incinerated.
There are several reasons for this, which are too complex to go into here, so let’s look at the pros and cons in brief:
Pros of Recycling Plastics
- Recycling diverts plastic from landfills, incineration, or environmental pollution
- It reduces the need for virgin plastic production, lessening environmental impacts
- Single-use recycled plastics are often converted into re-usable items, keeping that plastic out of the waste stream for many years
- Recycling and a market for items made from recycled plastics give economic value to an otherwise worthless form of waste
- The recycling industry contributes to job creation and local, and global, economies
- Recycling plastics reduces the amount of plastic waste that may end up polluting the environment, especially watercourses and the ocean
Cons of Recycling Plastics
- Only a small percentage of plastic types are valuable as a recycled material
- Recycling is a complicated and expensive process, which makes the production of virgin plastic more economically appealing for many industries
- Contamination at recycling plants is a huge challenge as mixed plastic types do not work well
- Most recycled plastics cannot be re-used to make the same products as they were before, because the quality of the plastic is not as good after it has been recycled
- Recycled plastics degrade a little every time they’re recycled, which means they can only be recycled a few times before being disposed of
- Current recycling technology cannot completely close the loop because the quality degrades in each cycle, so even if 100% of current plastic production is recycled, there will always be a market for virgin plastic.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to recycling plastics, and significant challenges to be overcome. Like many of the severe environmental issues we’re faced with, governments and global policies need to change before these challenges can be overcome completely.
That said, your actions as an individual consumer DO make a difference!
When we choose to live more sustainably, and produce less waste or even go fully zero-waste, we not only reduce the impact we have on the environment (which, over a lifetime, is more significant than you think!), we also contribute to the social, political and economic context around us.
Choosing to buy eco-friendly products creates a demand and a market for more sustainable goods.
When we choose to buy products made from recycled plastics rather than virgin plastics, we’re creating a market and a demand for them. And that is how change happens!
26 Great Recycled Plastic Products
1. The Sak – Back to Bali Crochet Crossbody Bag
The Sak makes a wide selection of bags out of recycled plastic made from plastic waste collected from the ocean or picked up on its way to the ocean in Bali.
The Sak partners with Oceana, Oceanworks, Plastic Bank, and several other organizations to rid the planet of plastic pollution and turn 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 and inner pocket has a zip to close
- Size is big enough to be very versatile, without looking like an ‘oversized tote’
Cons
- The lining is thin and tends to fray at the seams
- Some reviewers found it to be too big and cumbersome
- Some reviewers found the strap to be uncomfortable
Where to Buy:
2. Patagonia – Nano Puff Jacket
Patagonia needs no introduction when it comes to sustainable brands. Their Nano Puff Jackets are made with 87% recycled materials, including 100% postconsumer recycled polyester for the lining, stuffing, and shell. It is also made 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 an NYC winter
- Wind and waterproof
- Versatile style can be layered and great for general wear or hiking etc.
Cons
- Not warm enough for winter in Alaska
- Light-colored option discolored inside the neck due to oily skin
- The fit is not great for those with very wide shoulders and a small waist
Where to Buy: Patagonia
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3. West Paw – Zogoflex & Seaflex Dog Toys
West Paw makes eco-friendly dog toys out of recycled plastic. They use recycled ocean-bound plastic and plastic that is diverted from landfills. West Paw’s soft toys are made with recycled polyester.
Their Zogoflex and Seaflex bouncy chew toys are made to last for many years, and can then be returned to West Paw to be recycled and made into new toys. All 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 quickly destroy other toys
- You can put treats inside for then gradually work out of the toy as they chew
- Shape makes it bounce randomly, which makes it more fun and keeps the dog occupied
Cons
- Food falls out of the openings for stuffing teats, so some reviewers used wet food and froze it first
- It is very hard and some felt it was damaging their floors
- Dogs that don’t usually chew much didn’t enjoy it
Where to Buy:
4. Suga – Yoga Mats
Suga makes yoga mats out of 100% recycled neoprene wetsuits. They’re durable, non-slip and the texture of the material prevents it from picking up dirt, grime, and bacteria from the floor.
Suga mats are 5mm thick, but they provide more cushioning than other mats of the same thickness.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):
Pros
- Non-slip and good for hot yoga and more vigorous classes
- Thicker and more comfortable than most yoga mats
- Attractive design, with rounded corners and small flecks of color in the mainly black material
Cons
- Sheds some small black fibers with regular use
- The pebbled texture was uncomfortable for some
Where to Buy:
5. Preserve – POPi Safety Razors
Preserve started the Preserve Ocean Plastic Initiative (POPi) to work with partners cleaning up beaches and removing plastic from the ocean. They then use that plastic to make toothbrushes, razors, and tableware.
Their razors are unisex five-blade razors, with replaceable heads, and they’re completely recyclable through Preserve’s mail-back recycling program.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
- Effective and long-lasting
- Blades are nickel-free and good for those with allergies
- Works just as well as big-brand multi-blade razors
Cons
- Head, where the blade cartridge attaches, can become loose
- Some reviewers had problems with the lubricating strip being too sticky
- Some reviewers found the blades rusted quite quickly
Where to Buy:
6. Polywood – Classic Adirondack Chair
Polywood makes outdoor furniture from a blend of recycled HDPE and other plastics, including milk jugs and detergent bottles.
Weather-resistant, and extremely hard-wearing, their furniture is made to last for many years (they offer a 20-year guarantee), with little maintenance.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.7/5 Stars):
Pros
- Durable and weather-resistant in full sun
- Easy to assemble
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Smaller than traditional wooden Adirondack chairs
- No written assembly instructions and you need your own wrench
- Do not fold up
Where to Buy:
7. Green Toys – Recycled Plastic Seaplane
Green Toys is a USA-based company that makes children’s toys out of 100% recycled plastic milk jugs. Their toys are bright, durable, and interactive for imaginative play.
Green Toys products are non-toxic, BPA free and FDA-approved for safe contact. They’re also dishwasher safe!
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.8/5 Stars):
Pros
- High-quality and well made
- Easy to clean (water drains out easily and they dry completely)
- BPA free and non-toxic so a good choice for teething babies
Cons
- Too large for playing in the bathtub
- Tends to fill with water from the drainage ports and then lists or sinks a bit
Where to Buy:
8. Bureo – Costa Del Mar x Bureo Victoria Sunglasses
Bureo makes jackets, accessories, and skateboards out of recycled fishing nets. They partner with local communities and conservation organizations to collect discarded fishing nets from coastal areas in South America.
Their Victoria sunglasses are polarized and offer 100% UV protection. The frames are lightweight and comfortable, with padded nose supports. At the end of their lifespan, they’re fully recyclable through Bureo’s recycling program.
Location: USA and Chile
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Star rating only – no reviews available
Where to Buy: Bureo or Costa Del Mar
9. Team Timbuktu – Activewear Leggings
Team Timbuktu makes activewear and waterproof jackets out of recycled plastic bottles and recycled fabric. They also plant trees for every order, are an ethical and fair labor company, and use compostable packaging instead of single-use plastic.
Their activewear leggings are designed to be hardwearing, comfortable, breathable, and have pockets!
Location: Australia
What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear
- Pockets
- Adjustable waistband for the perfect fit
Cons
- Waistband too small for some body shapes
Where to Buy: Team Timbuktu
10. Rothys – The Flat Ladies Pumps
Rothys makes men’s and women’s shoes and bags out of recycled plastic bottles, which they convert into yarn. The yarn is then 3D knitted to form the shapes they need, which reduces waste. Rothys’ is aiming for a fully circular business model by 2025 and is fully zero-waste in 2023.
They offer recycling for your old Rothys shoes and their new product lines include materials that are twice recycled.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
- Very comfortable and do not need to be worn in
- Available in half sizes
- Many color options are available
Cons
- Sizing is a challenge because they don’t stretch much but they do have half sizes
Where to Buy:
11. Fab Habitat – Cairo Recycled Polypropylene Rug
Fab Habitat makes rugs and other soft home furnishings out of recycled materials. Their rugs are made with recycled plastic, either PET from soda bottles or Polypropylene from food and medicine containers.
Fab Habitat is also a Fair Trade and Good Weave certified company.
Location: USA and India
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Comfortable underfoot
- Hardwearing and easy to clean
- Weatherproof for outdoor spaces and do not fade in the sun
Cons
- The black in the ‘natural and black’ Cairo rug is more grey than black
Where to Buy: Fab Habitat
12. Recover – Sport Collection T-Shirt
Recover makes men’s and women’s clothing out of recycled materials, including recycled cotton and polyester made from recycled plastic bottles and packaging.
Their Sport collection is made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic waste. Recover’s Sport t-shirt is soft, comfortable, breathable, and suitable for every activity.
Location: USA and Guatemala
What the Reviews Say (4.5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Comfortable fit and soft fabric
- High-quality at a low price point
- Great for outdoor sports and hiking
Cons
- Only a small range of colors is available
- Shoulder seams are uncomfortable for trail running with a water pack
Where to Buy: Recover
13. Noho – Move Chair
Noho makes stylish, ergonomic chairs out of recycled ECONYL nylon, which is made from recovered ghost fishing nets and post-consumer waste carpeting.
Their chairs are ergonomically designed to move and flex with your body for comfort and support. Optional cushion toppers are also available.
Location: New Zealand
What the Reviews Say (4.7/5 Stars):
Pros
- They’re light and easy to move around
- Comfortable as a desk or dining chair/suitable for all-day use
- Easy to assemble and sturdy
Cons
- Chair height is tall and not adjustable
- Some reviewers found the forward tilt to be uncomfortable
- One reviewer found the finish to be less refined than desired
Where to Buy: Noho
14. Hakea Swimwear – Juniper Maillot
Hakea is an Australian brand that makes high-quality swimwear from recycled nylon, including ECONYL, which is made from ghost fishing nets and plastic removed from the ocean, and fabric mill waste.
Their swimwear is more durable than most nylon swimwear, UPF 50+, and free from all harmful chemicals. Hakea uses energy and water-efficient production methods, and plastic-free packaging.
Location: Australia
What the Reviews Say (/5 Stars):
No reviews available
Where to Buy: Hakea
15. Buffy – Cloud Comforter
Buffy makes vegan, cruelty-free bed linen, comforters, and pillows using filling made from recycled plastic bottles instead of virgin polyester. They use natural fibers and sustainable materials for their fabrics, sheeting, and covers.
Buffy is a sustainability-focused brand doing many things to lessen its impact on the planet, including offsetting all the carbon emissions from its shipping.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.4/5 Stars):
Pros
- Light and soft, very comfortable on your skin
- Regulates temperature very well – keeps you cool when it’s hot and warm when it is cold
- Machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers felt it was too warm and not breathable enough
- Inside a duvet cover, it becomes very warm
- Some older reviews noted the filling bunching up in the corners
Where to Buy:
16. Re-Play – Recycled Plastic Bowl
Re-Play makes bowls, plates, and utensils out of recycled plastic. Their recycled plastic products are colorful, high-quality, and long-lasting.
They’re 100% non-toxic and contain no BPA, Phthalates, PVC, or Melamine. Re-Play products are great for kids and adults alike.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):
Pros
- Do not stain or scuff easily
- Very hardwearing
- Machine washable and microwave safe
Cons
- Bowls are on the small and shallow side
- One reviewer noted that their bowl warped a little in the microwave
- Some reviewers noted stains from spaghetti sauce
Where to Buy:
17. Adidas X Parley – The Ultra Boost
Parley for the Oceans is a collaborative movement that both brings attention to the plight of the oceans and works with creative brands like Adidas to create solutions for the pollution that is destroying marine life.
Together they created a concept shoe, The Ultra Boost, that featured an upper made of yarns and filaments reclaimed and recycled from ocean waste and illegal deep-sea gillnets.
Adidas scaled that solution and has produced more than 30 million pairs of shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic to date.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Comfortable underfoot cushioning
- Environment-friendly
- Durable
- Relieves knee pain
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Form-fitting
Cons
- Break-in required
- Expensive
Where to Buy: Amazon
18. Conceptos Plasticos – Housing Bricks
Conceptos Plasticos is a Colombian company with a sustainable business built around the most fundamental need of humankind, housing.
Changing how consumers behave is a big step toward a renewable future, but changing how major industries operate is equally crucial due to the sheer volume of materials used in some sectors.
Conceptos Plasticos has taken on the challenge and created a modular brick and block building system from recycled plastics that three people can build a house with within just four days.
Their bricks have repurposed over 3,000 tons of post-consumer waste so far, and they only produce with purpose, minimizing their carbon footprint significantly.
The houses are impervious to the elements and will never rot, warp, splinter, crumble, rust, absorb moisture, or leach toxic chemicals into the environment.
Location: Colombia
What the Reviews Say (4.9/5 Stars):
Pros
- Very low housing costs
- Heat resistant
- Simple building means low (or no) labor costs
Cons
- Difficult to purchase
- Customer response time is slow
Where to Buy: Conceptos Plasticos Initiative page
19. Anipal – Harness & Lead
Anipal is an Australian-based brand that makes pet products from PET products.
Their harnesses, leashes, and collars use post-consumer plastics instead of virgin plastics, meaning that each product uses 86% less water, 70% less energy, and 75% less CO2 emissions than standard production techniques.
Anipal works with a Southeast Asian partner which redirects waste from the most heavily impacted regions. To date, they have recycled over 250,000 post-consumer plastic bottles into pet products for dogs and cats.
They also make a range of dental chews, and baked bites made from local, organic seaweed & insect protein.
Location: Australia
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good value for money
- Good fit for brachiocephalic dogs
Cons
- Difficult to ship outside of Australia
Where to Buy: Anipal Shop
20. Frescobol Carioca – Capsule Collection
Frescobol Carioca is a UK-based Brazilian swimwear brand that is all about the Rio beach lifestyle. They teamed up with Parley Ocean Plastic to create a promotional line of beachwear that highlighted the versatility of 100% recycled materials. Revenue generated from the sales of the range is reinvested towards clean-up projects and education programs in Brazil, ensuring that each piece within the collection is a symbol of change and a vehicle for transformation.
The collection ranges from water-repellent swimwear to all-new technical jersey fabrication, focused on performance, luxury, and long-lasting build.
Location: UK
What the Reviews Say (4.2/5 Stars):
Pros
- Great Quality and comfort
- Great fit
- Premium feel and upmarket designs
Cons
- Some reviewers reported rude customer service
- Some reviewers thought they were overpriced
Where to Buy: Frescobol Carioca
21. InCase – Bags
InCase is an Australian brand that makes a wide range of carry cases, backpacks, toiletry bags, and accessories. Teaming up with BIONIC®, they created a collection of commuter bags, accessory organizers, and laptop sleeves from the BIONIC® Ripstop fabric. BionicYarn makes a range of materials that are 100% made from recycled ocean plastic. Every commuter bag is created from the equivalent of twenty-six plastic bottles recovered from marine & coastal environments and is 100% recycled plastic.
The commuter bag features include being lightweight, detailed internal organization, a large main compartment, protection for up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro, and an external magnetic-snap closure water bottle pocket.
Location: USA/Australia
What the Reviews Say (4.3/5 Stars):
Pros
- Magnetic side pocket
- Very comfortable
- Good colors and quality feel
Cons
- Some reviewers thought the water bottle pocket was too small
- Price is high
- No place to hook keys
Where to Buy: InCase Store
22. LifeProof– WĀKE phone case
Lifeproof has been the #1 selling waterproof case in the US since 2018. They’ve expanded their range to include the eco-conscious WAKE case for iPhones, which is made from sustainably obtained, 85% ocean-based recycled plastic, and is drop-proof from a height of 6.6 feet. The design is a one-piece, ultra-thin, and features a satisfying mellow wave pattern.
The WAVE case weighs just 0.04 lbs and fits the iPhone 11, iPhone 12/12 mini, iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Max, iPad (7th,8th,9th gen), Galaxy S 21/22, and Pixel 4a. Thus far, Lifeproof has repurposed more than 27,000 lbs of ocean-based plastic.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (3.3/5 Stars):
Pros
- Drop-proof
- Sleek and attractive design
- Works with MagSafe chargers
- Warranty system and excellent customer service
Cons
- Coverage of the phone is sparse compared to protective cases
- Some reviewers found the case hard to grip
- Charging port is not protected
Where to Buy: Otterbox
23. Gomi – Portable Charger
Based in Brighton, UK, Gomi made the world’s first speaker created from ‘non-recyclable’ waste. Their product range has since expanded to include portable and wireless chargers. All their products are hand-made, and even their batteries are reclaimed and repurposed from waste electronics like e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric cars. All the plastic used is non-recyclable and would otherwise end up in a landfill or burnt. They partner with local companies, large global corporations as well as recycling companies to recycle waste material, which is then processed into products.
Each product has a unique marbling pattern that comes from the reclamation process, making each one one of a kind. Gomi will repair any product returned to them and will repurchase your product from you at the end of its life to recycle all components into their latest generation of products.
Location: UK
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Two x 10W USB output ports
- 14,000 mAh capacity
- Beautiful and unique design
Cons
- Out of stock until March 2023
Where to Buy: Gomi Shop
24. Jenga – Jenga® Ocean™ X Bureo
Jenga was first invented in 1983. In 2018, Jenga released a version of the popular game made completely from 25 square feet of nets proudly sourced through Bureo’s Net Positiva recycling program.
Every block features a threatened marine animal in their design, and new rules come in the box for a ‘Save The Animals’ mode of traditional Jenga, which gives players one point for every animal collected.
Each drawing is hand-designed by the surfer, designer, artist, and explorer, Lake Buckley. And all packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (5/5 Stars):
Pros
- Raises awareness and long-lasting
- Includes instructions on how to recycle
- Completely new game modes
Cons
- Doesn’t have the same feel as the original
25. SwedishStockings – Polly Innovation Tights
Swedish Stockings is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and was formed when they discovered that 8 billion pairs of tights are worn once and discarded every year.
Their solution to this problem is two-fold – design tights from sustainable and recycled materials and make them last longer.
Their innovations include tights made from castor beans, recycled PET bottles,100% GOTS cotton, and recycled polyamides and elastane, which also happen to be zero-emission products.
The range includes tights, socks, leggings, and knee-highs, so there’s something for every style and occasion.
Location: Sweden
What the Reviews Say (4.6/5 Stars):
Pros
- Super-soft
- Long-lasting
- Comfy extended waistband design
- Light support for tummy and thigh smoothing
Cons
- Some reviewers found the waistband too big for dramatic waste differences
- Some reviewers have said they are too delicate
- 2 seam designs are too prominent
Where to Buy: Swedish Stockings
26. Wolven – Joggers
Wolven is a team of activists that are dead set on making recycled sexy. Boston-based founder, Kiran Jade, started her company with the principles of Sustainability, Diversity, Body Positivity, and Creativity at its core. Their production is carbon neutral, and their turmeric joggers are made from 86% post-consumer recycled PET plastic. They’re comfortable and stretchy, have a vegan suede finish, and feature two pockets! Each pair of sweatpants is made from 51.8 recycled bottles.
Their joggers are Breathable, quick-drying, and odor-resistant, and Wolven runs an in-house pre-loved shop where you can get 110% brand credit for every item you sell.
Location: USA
What the Reviews Say (4.8/5 Stars):
Pros
- Lightweight and warm
- Great material, good color selection
- Perfect fit for yoga
Cons
- The sizing tends to run big
Where to Buy: Wolven Store
Final Thoughts on Recycled Plastic Products
There is a huge variety of recycled plastic products on the market, which shows just how versatile and valuable waste plastics can be.
As consumers, our choices influence commerce, and the industries that produce the goods we buy.
When we buy recycled plastic products, we’re contributing not only to the reduction of virgin plastic production but also to strengthening the market for recycled plastics.
On top of that, we lose nothing in terms of quality or longevity by choosing recycled plastics instead of virgin plastics – they’re just as good!
Frequently Asked Questions
What products are made from recycled plastic?
Most plastic products can be made from recycled plastic. Common products made from recycled plastics include recycled polyester clothing, plastic toys, tableware, shoes, bags and home furnishings like chairs and rugs. Read the full article for a list of some of the best recycled plastic products available.
Are recycled plastic products good?
Yes. In terms of quality, recycled plastic products are just as good as products made from virgin plastic., and in terms of the environment it is much better to use recycled plastic than it is to make new plastic out of oil. Read the full article for more on recycled plastic products.
Are recycled plastic products safe?
Yes. If the plastic recycling process is done properly and the final product meets the necessary safety standards, the fact that the plastic is recycled makes no difference to the safety of the item. Always read labels and check that products are approved, regardless of the origin of the plastic. Read the full article for more on recycled plastic products.
References
Government of Canada: Government of Canada Moving Forward with Banning Harmful Single-Use Plastics
National Geographic: The Challenge of Recycling
NPR: How Big Oil Misled the Public into Believing Plastic Would Be Recycled
RTS: Is This Recyclable?
RTS: The Complete Plastics Recycling Process
RTS: The State of Recycling Today – 2022 Recycling Trends + Beyond
The Guardian: Americans’ Plastic Recycling is Dumped in Landfills, Investigation Shows
