Material Spotlights
Material Spotlights · by EarthCleanse Team · 5 min read
We're honest about the plastic we carry — and why recyclable, reusable grades have a role.
Yes, we carry some plastic — here's the thinking
Most of our range is plant-based, but a few formats — clear cold cups, certain sturdy containers — don't yet have an affordable compostable match. For those, we choose recyclable, reusable, BPA-free PP and PET rather than send customers to worse suppliers.
Recyclable, and widely so
PP containers are resin #5 and PET cups are #1 — both broadly accepted in curbside recycling. Rinse them clean, recycle, and check your local program. PET in particular is endlessly recyclable and recoverable.
PP = #5, widely curbside-recyclable.
PET = #1, endlessly recyclable.
BPA-free, BPS-free, food-safe by design.
Durable enough to reuse before recycling.
Reuse first — that's the real win
These containers are built to be washed and reused many times. One reused container replaces dozens of disposables, cutting total plastic use. Reduce and reuse first; recycle at the end.
And we're moving on
We treat recyclable plastic as a bridge, not a destination. We're actively developing fibre and PLA versions to match PP's strength and PET's clarity — and shifting as soon as performance and price line up.
Key takeaways
A few formats use recyclable PP (#5) and PET (#1).
BPA-free, recyclable, and designed to be reused.
A transparent bridge while plant-based versions mature.
Shop the post: Recyclable PP containers · PET cold cups · Reusable options.
Learn more: Full detail in the FAQ (Plastics & Transition) and our recycling how-to guide.
