It’s 2024 and we’re all trying to do our best by choosing sustainable, eco-friendly companies to buy from. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to avoid the greenwashing and find companies that actually practice what they preach. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some companies who are making waves in the world of sustainability, using recycled plastic waste and ocean plastic effectively, and also producing really cool products, without costing the planet.
Let’s dive in.
Green Toys
Green Toys is literally putting the ‘green’ in toys, making toys from 100% recycled plastic waste. To date, the company has recycled over 150 million milk jugs...and counting! Green Toys produces a great selection of products, from trucks to playhouses to play kitchen sets. The company doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to materials, and even the packaging is 100% recycled cardboard with eco-friendly soy inks. All their products are 100% US-made to reduce greenhouse gases. Best of all, their toys are pretty cool!
Solgaard
Solgaard is a premium brand making sustainable travel gear from 100% recycled plastic waste. Since 2017, we’ve been using Shore-TexTM—a fabric composed completely of recycled plastic which is used in the lining fabric of our backpacks, accessories and luggage.
Our process involves collecting and removing plastic from beaches and riverways, cleaning it and sorting it before breaking it down. It’s then stretched into yarn which is in turn woven into our Shore-TexTM fabric.
Every order of a Solgaard product removes 6 lbs of ocean-bound plastic from coastal communities. As we like to put it, we’re on a mission to save the oceans, one bag at a time.
To browse our range of backpacks, suitcases and accessories, click here!
Suga yoga mats
Suga yoga mats are literally wetsuits reincarnated! Made in the USA from entirely recycled wetsuits, the brand was created by a surfer and yoga practitioner who wanted to find a solution to throwing out old non-biodegradable wetsuits and buying new yoga mats. To date, Suga has collected over 16,000 wetsuits and saved 41 tonnes of neoprene from landfill. The
result? Great quality, dense, and stylish yoga mats in a range of colors and styles. Due to their origins, the mats are great to use outdoors and on the beach, and to clean them you can simply hose them down.
Prima surf fins
For surfers looking for sustainable options, Prima fins are a great green choice, offering fins made entirely from wood. The company aims to reduce their impact on the oceans by choosing wood and non-toxic water-based varnish. The result is a reduction in pollution by 60-90% per fin. Prima’s retro designs are a standout and the perfect addition to any surfboard!
Are you mad
Are You Mad is a conscious waste design studio, based in London and Los Angeles. The company creates recycled plastic products and focuses on education through workshops, campaigns and on-the-road events. In a recent project, Are You Mad collected plastic bottles from a soccer stadium in London, washed and cleaned the plastic before melting it down and repurposing it during workshops with young people. The company is huge on activism, working with other businesses to create campaigns to drive change. They even have the capacity to take commissions for designs, and can create furniture and installations from recycled goods!
Noho move chair
The Noho move chair has got to be the coolest seat at the table! Noho is creating furniture that’s flexible and playful, and the Noho move chair is one of their most intuitive designs. The chair is described as the first dining chair that responds to small movements, providing ultimate comfort.
Noho products are designed and made in Wellington, New Zealand, using renewable energy throughout the process. The products are designed to be lightweight and long-lasting, therefore reducing their carbon footprint, and are shipped in small, recyclable or compostable packaging. In the design itself, Noho chairs use waste stream and post-industrial recycled materials—such as plastic waste, giving it a big tick of approval from an environmental standpoint. Plus, these chairs are super comfy and a stylish addition to your home!
Batoko swimwear
This swimwear brand literally makes all of its items from rubbish such as ocean plastic. They’re small, independent, and stylish whilst making waves in the environmental movement. Based in North West England, the company intercepts plastics heading to landfill and turns them into a range of swimsuits with funky designs.
The company was brought to life after some local beach cleans, where they collected huge amounts of ocean plastic from the shores. They decided to turn this into something positive, and by operating on a small scale, Batoko is able to focus on individuality and longevity, avoiding overproduction.
We’d suggest checking out some of their nature-inspired designs—you’d certainly stand out on the beach rocking one of their swimsuits!
Notpla
Notpla is a London-based company making disappearing packaging. They manufacture food packaging which is 100% compostable, leaving no trace once it is disposed of and broken down—just like fruit peel. The company uses seaweed to make their products, which is easy to use and doesn’t require huge resources to grow. Notpla has already made an impact at huge sporting events such as the Göteborg Marathon and the UEFA Women’s Euros, as well as teaming up with Just Eat.
Notpla branches out into other areas too, making products such as package-free skincare and toothpaste pearls, cutlery, and laundry sachets. These seaweed-based products can be purchased directly by consumers.
Long story short...
Not all good things have to cost the environment, as proven by this list of innovative and exciting companies using ocean plastic and recycled plastic waste. Whether it’s a new swimsuit, an eco suitcase, or some green toys you’re after, shopping with environment-first companies will make a world of difference to the planet. Thanks for choosing the green option!
Written by Alex Callahan
