When you hear the word “plastic,” chances are your mind goes straight to overflowing landfills, floating islands of rubbish in the ocean, or flimsy single-use stuff. And let’s be real, that reputation is well earned. Plastic has left an enormous environmental footprint.

But what about recycled plastic? Is it a genuine step forward, or just another case of greenwashing?

At Solmates, we like to dig deeper before making choices about the materials we use. Recycled plastic can be a bit of a hot topic, so let’s talk about why we believe it matters.

Why Recycled Plastic Still Deserves a Place

Here’s the thing: recycled plastic isn’t perfect (we’re not pretending it is). But it does bring real benefits when used thoughtfully. Instead of creating new plastic from raw petroleum, recycled plastic takes materials that already exist and gives them a second life. That means less waste ending up in landfill or our oceans, fewer natural resources being pulled from the earth, and a much lower carbon footprint compared to producing virgin plastic. And because it’s durable, it works perfectly in long-lasting, refillable products - helping us move away from the throwaway culture and towards a more circular economy.

How We Use It at Solmates

For us, recycled plastic isn’t about keeping disposable culture alive. It’s about pushing back against it. That’s why our refillable sunscreen applicators are designed to last for years, not just one summer.

We chose plastic for a reason: it’s lightweight, easy to carry, and doesn’t warp in the heat (so no meltdowns if you leave it in the car). It’s food-grade, won’t corrode like metal, and won’t shatter like glass.

By making the body of our applicator from recycled plastic, we get all those practical benefits while reducing our reliance on virgin materials. That means fewer resources pulled from the planet and more use out of the stuff that’s already here.

The Bigger Picture

We don’t want you to buy a Solmates applicator, use it once, and forget about it. We want you to refill it again and again and again. That’s the real win: pairing recycled materials with a product designed to last.

Because here’s the truth: no material is flawless. Sustainability isn’t about finding one “perfect” solution - it’s about making better choices, step by step. For us, recycled plastic is one part of a bigger picture that combines smart design, durability, and conscious use.

So no, recycled plastic isn’t a free pass. But used in the right way, it helps us reduce waste, lower emissions, and give resources a longer life. And that feels like progress worth making.

Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is

We believe in the power of recycled plastic so much that we have partnered with Plastic Bank since day one. Plastic Bank stops plastic from reaching our oceans by working with coastal communities to collect and recycle waste, turning it into a resource that supports local families. Through this, we are super proud to be helping give plastic a second life while also creating positive social impact.