Recycled Plastics
Transitioning from single-use to recycled and renewable plastics
Plastics are used extensively due to their affordability, versatility, and ease of manufacturing. However, while plastic is a highly efficient material, its environmental impact depends heavily on proper disposal—which is unfortunately not always guaranteed.
At Pinpops®, we are committed to aligning our plastic usage with the principles of sustainable development. We have set a clear target to transition our entire product range to be crafted exclusively from either recycled or renewable plastics by 2030.
In 2021, we achieved a significant breakthrough with the world's first fully biodegradable badge. Every component, from the body to the protective film, is made from PLA—a biodegradable bio-plastic. These badges are printed on recycled paper using the state-of-the-art Xerox® Iridesse® press, which utilizes the most eco-friendly toner colors available today.
Crafted from biodegradable PLA plastic, our Bio-badges naturally decompose within a few years
Lanyards are the fastest-evolving category in our range. We are steadily replacing traditional polyester with rPET alternatives manufactured from recycled plastic bottles. This process involves collecting and crushing PET bottles into pellets, which are then spun into high-quality yarn suitable for weaving and printing. Our goal is to eventually transition our entire lanyard collection to recycled materials.
We utilize certified REPREVE® yarn produced by Unifi® to ensure material integrity and quality.
Safety breakaway buckles are a standard component in our lanyards. These buckles must be durable and reliable, designed to release under tension to ensure user safety. Because these are safety-critical components, any material transition requires rigorous testing to maintain performance standards.
In 2020, we introduced lanyard accessories made from composite plastics. While these are not yet fully biodegradable, the inclusion of wheat straw—an agricultural byproduct—significantly reduces the overall plastic content of the buckles and clips.
Sustainable rPET lanyards made from recycled plastic, with safety breakaway buckles moving toward fully renewable materials
We have successfully expanded our recycled product range to include mousepads, microfiber cloths, and tube scarves, all utilizing the same proven printing techniques developed for our rPET lanyards. In the near future, rPET materials will entirely replace traditional polyester across these product categories.
While rPET raw materials currently carry a slightly higher cost than standard polyester, we are working to close this price gap through large-volume purchasing. Our goal is to offer these sustainable alternatives at the same price point as conventional products.
