765,623 Plastic Bottles Have Been Eliminated From Landfills & Oceans
FREE Shipping on Orders Over $100
Technology

Creative Ways that Technology Can Reduce Plastic Waste

We are thrilled to host this guest post by Cloe Matheson, a freelancer writer from Dunedin, New Zealand. You can check out more of her articles on Tumblr. She is awesome. We’ve all seen sobering images of beaches inundated with plastic cartons and bags, and of landfills fit to burst with all kinds of synthetic products that have been thrown away. Indeed, plastic waste is one of biggest challenges to the environmental movement. Plastic is utterly pervasive, contained in all sorts of everyday products from food packaging to clothing. Somewhat astonishingly, only up to 15% of plastic is recycled in Western countries. Considering that it takes between 500-1000 years for the average piece of single-use plastic to degrade, this figure is a cause for concern. The scale of the problem requires a fix that’s more-than-human – and that’s where technology comes in. Here are just a handful of the creative ways in which technology is contributing to the global fight against plastic waste.

  • By discovering new ways to recycle plastics

The major issue with plastic recycling is that plastics are made up of different compounds which, when heated, separate from each other. This means that, currently, plastics have to be recycled separately so that they can be melted down properly. However, a solution is in the works.  Researchers are using technology to create chemical agents called compatibilizers, which are substances that allow all types of plastics to be recycled as one.

  • By printing plastic into different objects

3-D printing technology has transformed the way we think about plastic. Industry leaders such as ReDeTec have developed printing systems which can plastic recycle plastic bottles and the like into pieces of filament ready to be used for any 3-D printing project. Clever! high angle photo of swing top bottles Image Source: Unsplash

  • By cleaning plastic ready for reuse

Over half of plastic products are single-use. Technological pioneers are helping to reduce that statistic by creating machines capable of cleaning polypropylene plastic of any remaining liquids or smells. This means that your bottle caps and plastic pudding cups can be made good as new.

  • By turning plastic into fuel

It’s not just electric cars which are experiencing a heyday - the possibility of plastic fuel is also fast becoming a reality. First, the plastic is put through a shredder, then heated until it melts down into crude oil. Voila: fuel.

  • By changing plastic as we know it

It’s helpful to clean the waste resulting from plastic usage, but to really confront the issue at its source, we must discover new ways of creating plastic that won’t be so harmful to the environment. Technology is proving central to the process of engineering a biodegradable form of plastic. Currently, scientists are experimenting with creating plastic-like materials using everything from mushrooms to algae.

  • By recycling plastic waste into usable products

Increasing numbers of mobile businesses have staked their claim in the global plastic crisis by collecting plastic waste from other corporations and transforming it into useful products. Doing this creates a circular economy by which trash is made into treasure – and of course, technologically-advanced machinery is key to this conversion process. The only problem is that there still aren’t enough of these eco-friendly businesses out there to tackle the magnitude of the plastic problem at hand. Luckily, large-scale corporations such as Unilever are making a concerted effort to scale up their plastic-conversion efforts, so that we can begin to truly make a dent in the problem. close up photo of black Samsung Galaxy smartphone Image Source: Unsplash

  • By helping to popularize the issue

The internet is perhaps the best argument for technology’s centrality to the popular movement against plastic waste. The urge to reduce, reuse, and recycle single-use plastic has skyrocketed in recent years, and it’s no coincidence that that change has attended the rise of social media. Whether blog posts, well-known figures’ Facebook feeds, or documentaries found on digital platforms, the internet has done more than its fair share towards popularising the issue of plastic wastage. Long live the keyboard warriors! As a freelance writer, Cloe appreciates the benefits that technology brings - especially fast broadband internet that allows her to work anytime, anywhere. In the past, she has written articles for the business and technology site Trustpower. To see more of Cloe’s published work, head on over to her Tumblr page.
Tags: Reducing Plastic
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Plaine Products & Orange County Coastkeeper: Making Waves for Earth Day

Plaine Products & Orange County Coastkeeper: Making Waves for Earth Day

After the incredible enthusiasm and success of our Holiday Sale beach cleanup campaign, we knew we had to do it again—this time for Earth Day! The Holiday Sale campaign showed us just how much our community values sustainability and real-world impact. For every order placed during our Earth Day Sale (April 21-24, 2025), we’ve partnered with Orange County Coastkeeper to remove one pound of trash from our environment. Together, we’re turning sustainable shopping into tangible action.   Protecting Our Waters with Orange County Coastkeeper Orange County Coastkeeper is a nonprofit clean water organization dedicated to protecting swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water while promoting watershed resilience throughout the region. Their mission aligns perfectly with ours - keeping plastic out of our oceans and landfills to create a cleaner, healthier planet. Through education, advocacy, restoration, research, enforcement, and conservation, Orange County Coastkeeper actively works to safeguard fresh- and saltwater ecosystems. Their efforts ensure that communities have healthy, accessible, and sustainable water resources for generations to come. By hosting this Earth Day cleanup in Orange County, they’re not only removing trash but also inspiring action and awareness about the importance of protecting our waterways.   Why This Matters to Plaine Products At Plaine Products, we believe that small actions lead to big impacts. Our commitment to using refillable aluminum bottles instead of plastic shampoo bottles helps reduce waste before it even begins. By keeping single-use plastics out of circulation, we’re cutting down on pollution, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting a circular economy. Partnering with Orange County Coastkeeper for this Earth Day campaign was a natural extension of our mission. By combining our refillable products with hands-on environmental action, we’re tackling the plastic waste problem from both ends - reducing future waste while cleaning up the past.   What’s Next? Our work doesn’t stop here. Plaine Products is committed to continuing our mission of reducing waste and supporting sustainability. Whether it’s through future cleanup initiatives, ongoing partnerships with like-minded organizations, or simply encouraging others to embrace refillable solutions, we’re in this for the long haul.   Together, we can make waves—not just on Earth Day, but every day. 🌎💙

Learn more
Plaine Products: Your Hair Care Solution for Common Problems

Plaine Products: Your Hair Care Solution for Common Problems

Here at Plaine Products we pride ourselves on making hair care products that work for everyone and solving problems. We don't just reduce plastic, we can also help solve dandruff, hair loss, dry ends, frizzy hair and more common hair and scalp problems.

Learn more
Plaine Products Hair + Body Wash 2025

Hair + Body Wash 2-in-1 is Back - New and Improved!

Simplify Your Routine with a 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash In today’s fast-paced world, simplicity is the ultimate luxury. Between work, family, and the myriad of daily responsibilities, finding time for self-care can feel like a challenge. That’s why the rise of multi-tasking products like our 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash is making waves in the world of personal care. And now, we are excited to announce that Plaine Products Hair + Body Wash is finally back, with an updated formula!  It’s still the product you love but we upgraded some ingredients to prevent separation and ensure the scent is more consistent. If you’re looking to streamline your routine without sacrificing quality, this versatile product may be just what you need. What Makes Our 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash Special? Imagine having one product that can cleanse, hydrate, and nourish both your hair and skin. Plaine Products' 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash combines the functionality of a high-quality shampoo and a luxurious body wash into one convenient formula. It’s perfect for anyone who values efficiency without compromising on self-care. Whether you’re a busy professional, a frequent traveler, or someone who simply loves a streamlined routine, this product has something to offer. Hair + Body Wash is available in 3 different sizes: 2.5 oz - Perfect for travel or your gym bag; 16 oz -  Ideal for everyday use at home; and 1 gal - The ultimate eco-friendly option for refills and families. Benefits of a 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash 1. Convenience and Simplicity Gone are the days of juggling multiple bottles in the shower. A 2-in-1 Hair + Body Wash simplifies your routine, freeing up time and space. The 2.5 oz size is particularly handy for travel or gym bags where portability is key. 2. Gentle, Effective Cleansing Unlike some harsh cleansers that strip your hair and skin of their natural oils, this product gently removes dirt and residue while maintaining moisture balance. The result? Softer, healthier skin and shinier hair. 3. Nourishing Ingredients With thoughtfully selected ingredients, this formula delivers hydration, protection, and restorative benefits.You can see the new ingredients here. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this product a powerhouse for your personal care routine: The Hero Ingredients That Make It Work Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, Aloe Vera cleanses gently while preserving your skin’s and hair’s natural moisture. Say goodbye to dryness and hello to softness. Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate This sulfate-free, biodegradable cleanser produces a rich lather that feels luxurious while being gentle on sensitive skin and hair. It’s the perfect alternative to harsh sulfates. Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil (Neroli Oil) Packed with antioxidants, Neroli Oil deeply hydrates and locks in moisture. It enhances shine for your hair and protects your skin from free radicals, leaving you looking radiant. Glycerin A natural humectant, Glycerin helps retain moisture in both hair and skin. It’s great for reducing frizz, strengthening hair, and keeping your skin smooth and hydrated. Why It’s Perfect for Every Lifestyle For Busy Professionals Time is a precious commodity. A 2-in-1 product helps you save minutes every morning, giving you more time to focus on your day. For Travelers With its multi-purpose functionality, this product is a must-have for your suitcase. Reduce clutter in your travel bag without compromising on personal care. For Families Simplify the family shower routine with one product that everyone can use. It’s a space-saver and a money-saver. Embrace Simplicity and Self-Care Our Hair + Body Wash is more than just a product—it’s a way to reclaim time for yourself. By combining convenience, quality, and care, it allows you to focus on what matters most. Whether you’re simplifying your routine at home or packing light for your next adventure, this versatile essential is here to elevate your self-care game.Ready to give it a try? Experience the difference for yourself and discover how simplifying your routine can lead to healthier hair, glowing skin, and a happier you!

Learn more