Advancing Sustainability Through Action: Solatube International’s Partnership with Plastic Beach
At Solatube International, advancing sustainability has long been a guiding principle, not just in the energy-efficient daylighting solutions we bring to market, but also in the way we operate as a company. Even before joining the Kingspan family and embracing its ambitious Planet Passionate program, we were already putting many of those same core values into practice.
Unwrapping a Greener Future
One example of this commitment is our ongoing partnership with Plastic Beach, a San Diego-based nonprofit dedicated to rethinking how soft plastic wrap is managed and recycled. Plastic Beach focuses on transforming commercial and community supply chains across Southern California by creating scalable solutions for one of the most overlooked and challenging waste streams—low-density polyethylene film and plastic wrap.
Together, we’re not only keeping thousands of pounds of plastic waste out of landfills and oceans, but also helping to build a circular model that turns waste into a resource. Our collaboration is setting a new standard for responsible business practices, inspiring others in the industry to rethink what’s possible when it comes to sustainability and operational impact.
Tackling a Growing Problem
High and low-density polyethylene plastic (HDPE #4 and LDPE #2) is a ubiquitous but challenging waste stream. In many commercial supply chains, including manufacturing and distribution operations, plastic wrap and film packaging are typically discarded, even though they are technically recyclable.
Plastic Beach was founded to change this dynamic, beginning with a simple effort in a warehouse that quickly grew into a region-wide movement. Through education, partnerships and logistics, Plastic Beach collects and channels this difficult-to-recycle material into meaningful second-life products, including composite decking and, soon, potentially even asphalt.
Why Solatube Stepped Up
As a manufacturer, Solatube International recognized early on the environmental impact of soft plastic wrap used in our operations. By partnering with Plastic Beach, we took proactive steps to ensure that this material is captured and recycled properly, well ahead of California’s upcoming SB-54 / Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which will soon mandate stronger corporate accountability for packaging waste.
In doing so, we’re not just improving our own environmental footprint—we’re sending a clear signal to the wider business community that action on plastic waste is both possible and urgently needed.
Driving Impact and New Partnerships
Our involvement with Plastic Beach has also helped legitimize and elevate soft plastic recycling among peer companies across the region. As one of the early adopters of this program, Solatube International provided valuable credibility that has opened doors for Plastic Beach to expand its partnerships with other businesses.
In addition to participating in the recycling program, we contribute financial support that helps fuel Plastic Beach’s growth and expand its capacity to collect and recycle more plastic wrap across Southern California.
Results to Date
To date, Solatube International has diverted more than six tons of soft plastic wrap from landfill. That same plastic is now being transformed into durable composite decking through Plastic Beach’s collaboration with TREX. Looking ahead, Plastic Beach is also exploring new downstream uses, such as incorporating recycled plastic into asphalt, opening even more pathways for sustainable reuse.
Aligning with Planet Passionate Values
Solatube’s partnership with Plastic Beach is just one example of how we are bringing Kingspan’s Planet Passionate values to life every day:
- Circularity: Keeping materials in use and out of waste streams.
- Responsibility: Taking proactive steps ahead of regulatory mandates.
- Collaboration: Working with nonprofits, community groups and other businesses to scale solutions.
While Planet Passionate provides an inspiring global framework, at Solatube International, we are proud to say that many of these values were already embedded in our culture and actions well before we formally joined Kingspan. Our collaboration with Plastic Beach is one more way we continue to lead by example—locally, regionally and globally.
Looking Forward
As we continue to innovate in both product design and corporate responsibility, Solatube International remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for a more sustainable future. We are proud to stand alongside Plastic Beach and other mission-driven partners who share our vision for a cleaner, healthier planet.
To learn more about Solatube International’s sustainability initiatives, visit solatube.com/discover/sustainability.