At LATHER, we're passionate about creating a world where clean beauty and sustainability go hand in hand. As environmental concerns increasingly influence how we live and the products we choose, understanding the nuances of plastic recycling is more important to us than ever.
With a commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, we’re diving deep into the differences between recycled plastic and ocean bound plastic, exploring the challenges of plastic recycling, and highlighting how innovative solutions like Terracycle are paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future for us and our planet.
What is Recycled Plastic?
Recycled plastic refers to plastic materials that have been reprocessed and transformed into new products after their initial use. The concept is straightforward—collect used plastic, break it down, and repurpose it. However, the reality of plastic recycling is far more complex and fraught with challenges.
The Harsh Reality of Plastic Recycling
The Greenpeace USA report, Circular Claims Fall Flat Again, uncovers the grim reality of plastic recycling in the United States. According to the report, U.S. households generated an estimated 51 million tons of plastic waste in 2021, yet only 2.4 million tons were recycled. This equates to a mere 5-6% recycling rate, a sharp decline from previous years. The report highlights several factors contributing to this low rate, including:
- Difficulties in Collection: The sheer volume of plastic waste makes it challenging to collect effectively.
- Challenges in Sorting: Plastics must be sorted by type, which is labor-intensive and costly.
- Environmental Harm in Reprocessing: The process of recycling plastic can be environmentally damaging, often releasing toxic byproducts.
- Economic Unfeasibility: The costs associated with recycling plastic often outweigh the benefits, making it a less attractive option for many companies.
The report also points out that no type of plastic packaging in the U.S. meets the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastic Economy (EMF NPE) definition of "recyclable," which requires a 30% recycling rate. Even PET #1 and HDPE #2 fall short, with reprocessing rates of only 20.9% and 10.3%, respectively. This means that even when plastic is accepted by recycling facilities, it often ends up in landfills or incinerated.
Our founder tells New Beauty, "It can be overwhelming and confusing to understand the best way to make a difference [when it comes to plastic]. For example, recycling can seem like an easy solution, but what many customers don't understand is that so much of what we recycle isn't being recycled and is ending up in the landfill."
What is Ocean Bound Plastic?
Ocean bound plastic refers to plastic waste that is not yet in the ocean but is at high risk of ending up there. At LATHER, we take this a step further by ensuring that our packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled ocean bound plastic. This means the plastic we use has already been used by consumers, collected, and then repurposed, giving it a second life before it ever reaches the ocean.
The Environmental Impact of Ocean Bound Plastic
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a global crisis. Each year, an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans, causing severe damage to marine life. Fish, birds, and other marine animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to ingestion, entanglement, and death. The plastic waste that does not immediately harm marine life breaks down into microplastics, which can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, entering the food chain and potentially affecting human health.
Ocean bound plastic is a critical focus for environmental organizations and companies committed to sustainability. By intercepting this plastic before it reaches the ocean, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic pollution and protect marine ecosystems.
Ocean Bound Plastic + Terracycle: A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solution
As the limitations of traditional plastic recycling become increasingly apparent, innovative approaches like Terracycle offer a promising alternative. Terracycle is a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle materials, including ocean bound plastic. The company partners with businesses, governments, and consumers to create circular solutions for waste, turning it into new products instead of allowing it to pollute the environment.
The Role of Consumers and Businesses
Consumers and businesses play a crucial role in supporting sustainable solutions like Terracycle. By choosing products made from recycled or ocean bound plastic, consumers can reduce their environmental footprint and support companies committed to sustainability. Businesses, in turn, can partner with organizations like Terracycle to incorporate recycled materials into their products, reduce their reliance on virgin plastic, and contribute to a circular economy.
Moving Toward a Sustainable Future
The challenges of plastic recycling are daunting, but they also present an opportunity for innovation and change. The Greenpeace USA report underscores the need for a fundamental shift in how we manage plastic waste, advocating for systems of reuse and refill instead of relying on recycling alone. This shift is essential if we are to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and move toward a more sustainable future.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
One of the most effective ways to address the plastic crisis is to reduce the use of single-use plastics. These items, such as plastic bags, straws, and cutlery, are used briefly but can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. By phasing out single-use plastics and adopting reusable alternatives, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated each year.
Supporting a Global Plastics Treaty
The Greenpeace report also calls for adopting a Global Plastics Treaty, which would set international standards for plastic production, use, and disposal. Such a treaty would hold corporations accountable for their role in the plastic crisis and ensure that plastic waste is managed in a way that protects both people and the planet.
How LATHER's Helping Combat Plastic Pollution
We believe that every step toward sustainability counts, and we're committed to being part of the solution to the plastic waste crisis. The battle between recycled plastic and ocean bound plastic underscores the complexities of plastic waste management, but it also inspires innovation and meaningful change. Traditional recycling has its limitations, but by embracing innovative approaches like Terracycle and ocean bound plastic, we can make a real difference.
Our new Landscapes Collection is a testament to this commitment. These nature-inspired botanical haircare and body-care formulas are housed in 100% post-consumer, recycled ocean bound plastic. The term "post-consumer" refers to materials that have already served their purpose in the hands of consumers, been discarded, and then collected for recycling. By reusing this plastic, we not only prevent it from polluting our oceans but also reduce the demand for new, virgin plastic, minimizing our environmental footprint.
As consumers, we have the power to drive change by choosing products made from recycled or ocean bound plastic and advocating for policies that reduce plastic waste. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and create a future where our oceans and ecosystems are protected for generations.
