“Is plastic inherently bad?” – We share with you our experience and insights and inform you why we at Stapelstein® have consciously chosen the monomaterial EPP (Expanded Polypropylene) and what motivated us to start a cooperation with WasteReduction.
The Problem with Plastic
Plastic waste still enters the natural environment unhindered in many parts of the world, leading to pollution with concerning long-term consequences. Especially in countries of the global south, where there is often no functioning waste management, people are left alone with their heaps of trash.
Why plastic anyway?
Whether a material is sustainable depends on many factors. Therefore, products and packaging made from natural materials are not always more ecologically sustainable.
In the search for the right material for the Stapelstein® elements, we researched thoroughly and considered various aspects of plastic. We tested different prototypes and from the birth of Stapelstein®, we thought about reintegration into a closed loop.
Finally, we found all the essential factors in the monomaterial EPP that are important to us:
- it is the only plastic material that meets all legal requirements
- it combines lightness and stability
- it is durable and environmentally friendly due to low energy consumption during production
- it is 1:1 recyclable and free from pollutants
You can find more on the topic #Monomaterial here.
Our commitment with WasteReduction
Despite the responsible use of plastic, we believe that companies that bring plastic products into the world should be aware of their impact. In order to critically reflect on ourselves, but also to raise awareness of this issue among consumers and producers, we have supported WasteReduction since 2023, a social impact organization committed to counteracting the plastic crisis.
“As long as we share a planet, we cannot be indifferent to how waste is handled in other countries.”
WasteReduction Team
WasteReduction – A valuable solution approach
Ruth and Martin, the founders of WasteReduction, create a great opportunity to advocate for a clean environment through their corporate philosophy. They make it possible that, for every purchase of a participating plastic product, the same amount of plastic is collected from polluted regions worldwide in order to relieve the environment. In addition, WasteReduction funds educational projects for a mindful approach to plastics.
What measures is Stapelstein® taking for less plastic in nature?
For every kilogram of plastic that we sell through our participating Stapelstein® products, WasteReduction protects nature from plastic waste through its environmental protection projects worldwide.
This means that for every 10 kg, we contribute proportionally as follows:
Clean-ups to remove plastic waste from nature
The improvement of waste management and the establishment of recycling facilities in places where the most plastic waste flows unchecked into the environment
Raising awareness about the consequences of plastic waste in the form of workshops and environmental education at schools
Clean-ups to remove plastic waste from nature
The improvement of waste management and the establishment of recycling facilities in places where the most plastic waste flows unchecked into the environment
Raising awareness about the consequences of plastic waste in the form of workshops and environmental education at schools
The quantities with which Stapelstein® contributes are implemented by WasteReduction's partners in different countries:
You can find a video insight into the work of WasteReduction here.
We are all involved in the growing plastic crisis, but together we can reduce the mountains of waste by consciously questioning our purchasing decisions on the one hand and, on the other, if plastic products, then those with a global commitment to plastics. Let us help nature regenerate.