In our throwaway economy, businesses that embrace reuse and circularity aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re pioneering a necessary shift in how we consume products. Plastic packaging has become one of our most persistent environmental challenges, with microplastics now found everywhere from ocean depths to human bloodstreams. Beyond the environmental toll, emerging research continues to link plastic exposure to concerning health outcomes, from endocrine disruption to potential carcinogenic effects.
Chemicals in plastics are linked to hormonal disruption, fertility issues, and developmental problems.That’s why I’m highlighting businesses that are building circularity into their product design from the start. While there are plenty of companies doing the right thing, these are just a few examples from my own home. And I promise I’m not getting paid by these companies! I just love finding brands that make sustainability part of their business model.
8 million metric tons of plastic waste enters our oceans annually. As these plastics break down, they can release toxic chemicals that bioaccumulate in the food chain and eventually in humans.
These companies understand that packaging shouldn’t be an afterthought destined for landfills, but rather an opportunity to extend value and reduce waste. Here are some standouts worth mentioning (in no particular order):
First on the list is Organic Valley, whose ghee comes in glass jars with easily removable labels. After the ghee is gone, I use these versatile containers for storing fruits, snacks, leftovers, tea, and countless other items around the home (they are pictured in the cover photo). Unlike plastic containers that leach chemicals into food, these glass jars provide a safe, non-toxic storage solution that can be used indefinitely.
Next, a well-deserved shoutout to Mineralized deodorant (which I swear by). Beyond being free from aluminum, baking soda, and synthetic chemicals, this natural deodorant comes in a durable tin that’s both refillable and infinitely reusable. And refills come in cardboard tubes, completely recyclable. After sampling their product line, I’ve repurposed the extra tins for various storage needs—including one I keep in my purse for hair bands and concert earplugs. This stands in stark contrast to conventional deodorants in plastic packaging that contribute to landfill waste and petroleum dependency. And their packaging is all completely recyclable.
Kudos to IN YOUR FACE SKINCARE for their exceptional products that combine effectiveness with environmental responsibility. Their minimal, all-natural ingredient lists deliver outstanding results (honestly the best I’ve tried), while their commitment to glass packaging sets them apart from plastic-packaged competitors. The glass jar that their signature In Your Face Cream comes in makes a perfect container for displaying single flowers (like the gardenia pictured below) or carrying supplements in my purse—practical solutions that plastic containers simply can’t match in safety or elegance. And like Mineralized deodorant, their packaging is completely recyclable.
Although KnowBe4 doesn’t have physical products, we embrace circularity principles throughout our operations. A prime example is how we upcycle our promotional banners into reusable bags for employees. The image below shows how our company transformed a large banner that previously decorated our 12-story headquarters in Florida into a collection of practical, durable bags. This waste-reduction initiative prevents synthetic materials from entering landfills while providing practical items our employees use daily. Shoutout to A+ Tailoring as well, the local Clearwater seamstress who upcycles all of our banners into reusable bags (over 2,000 bags to date).
These companies demonstrate that sustainability isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials—it’s about fundamentally rethinking the lifecycle of products and packaging. While plastic containers are typically used once before spending centuries degrading in landfills or fragmenting into microplastics, these glass and metal alternatives can be continuously reused or fully recycled.
Plastic can take 400-1,000 years to decompose, essentially remaining in the environment indefinitely.What other companies have you noticed embracing circular packaging solutions? The shift away from single-use plastics isn’t just good for the planet—it’s increasingly what consumers demand. Businesses that build reusability into their DNA today are positioning themselves for the circular economy of tomorrow.
