National Recycling Week - Sunscreen Bottle Recycling.

National Recycling Week is November 13th-19th.

To date, here at WAW Handplanes, we have actively recycled over 12,100 kgs of Australian plastic waste, around 4,000 kgs of which has come directly from Australia’s beaches and oceans. And we have turned it all into body surfing equipment for everyone!

This year we have partnered up with We Are Feel Good Inc sunscreen to shed some light on their active campaign in recycling their used sunscreen bottles into useful gadgets like surfboard wax combs.

For the entire week between the 13th and 19th of November, we will be giving away one Surf Zinc sunscreen valued at $32.95 FOR FREE with all orders over $75.

Riding the Wave of Sustainability: 2.5 years of Sunscreen Bottle Recycling with We Are Feel Good Inc.

So what is their recycling program all about?

Let’s take a closer look at this innovative collaboration that combines sun protection, sustainability, and a commitment to a circular economy.

Introduction:

In a world where proper recycling practices can be complex, We Are Feel Good Inc. has found a way to not only encourage its customers to recycle but also contribute to the creation of new, reusable items. Let's dive into the journey of turning empty sunscreen bottles into surfboard wax combs through their partnership with Precious Plastic Margaret River and PP Melbourne.

The Sunscreen Packaging Challenge:

In Australia, sunscreen is classified as a therapeutic good, requiring packaging in materials like glass, aluminum, or food-grade virgin plastic. We Are Feel Good Inc were faced with the challenge of finding a suitable alternative to plastic packaging while adhering to regulatory standards. Which has proven very difficult. Thus, recognizing the need for responsible waste management, the brand decided to take a proactive approach and turn this challenge into an opportunity.

The Birth of the Bottle Recycling Program:

We Are Feel Good Inc. initiated its Bottle Recycling Program as a way to encourage proper recycling practices among its customers. The program operates on a not-for-profit basis, with the brand purchasing each recycled comb from Precious Plastic Margaret River at retail price, supporting their recycling initiatives. The focus was not just on recycling but also on inspiring a chain reaction towards sustainable habits.

How It Works: Returning and Recycling:

Customers are invited to participate by returning their empty sunscreen bottles, tubes, and lids. The process is made easy with a downloadable free shipping label for returns to the brand's headquarters in Dunsborough, WA. Once received, the packaging is cleaned and sent to Precious Plastic Margaret River, where the magic happens. The result? Stylish and functional combs, as tested and loved by professional female surfers during the WSL Rottnest Pro.

Celebrating Success and Looking Forward:

The Bottle Recycling Program has gained momentum, with positive feedback from customers and even professional surfers endorsing the recycled combs. We Are Feel Good Inc. acknowledges the collective impact of small actions and aims to double the number of collection points across Australia in the 2022 financial year. The goal is clear: to provide more opportunities for recyclers to join the initiative and contribute to closing the loop on a circular economy.

Conclusion:

As We Are Feel Good Inc. marks the one-year milestone of its Bottle Recycling Program, the brand reflects on the progress made and sets ambitious goals for the future. Through collaboration with Precious Plastic Margaret River and PP Melbourne, We Are Feel Good Inc. has not only recycled sunscreen packaging but has also created a community-driven movement towards sustainable practices. Join the ride, return your bottles, and help make a positive impact on the environment—one sunscreen bottle at a time.

To find our more about We Are Feel Good In. Check out their WEBSITE and INSTAGRAM

To get your hands on a FREE SURF ZINC click the link below and get shopping!