What Type of Outdoor Furniture Plastic is Most Eco-Friendly?

Call me crazy if you want, but the words "eco-friendly" and "plastic" have never meshed well in my brain. But here's the thing. Modern, high-quality patio furniture has bridged that gap. (And apparently I need to update my expectations.) So, what outdoor furniture plastic is the most eco-friendly? It's a more complicated answer than you might expect. You have to understand base materials, manufacturing practices, user impact, and post-consumer factors.

And it's for all those reasons that the team here at Patio Productions embraces eco-conscious recycled HDPE as the most planet-friendly option. So, what is recycled HDPE? And why is it the winner? And how can you shop for the best plastic furniture? Well, let's find out!

What Outdoor Furniture Plastic = Most Planet-Friendly?

• Recycled HDPE plastic is the eco-friendly champ of outdoor furniture materials
• Made from repurposed milk jugs and detergent bottles, keeping those items out landfills and oceans
• It's uber-durable, weather-resistant, keeping it in use (and out of the dumpster) longer
• Many brands like Harmonia Living craft recycled plastic pieces that mix style and sustainability
• With minimal maintenance, recycled HDPE furniture can last for years

Understanding Different Types of Outdoor Furniture Plastic

So, recycled HDPE. What is it? Why is it so great for patio furniture? And what are my other options? All good questions, my friend.

HDPE stands for "high-density polyethylene". It's basically a fancy way of saying "really strong plastic made from previously-used plastics." The 'high-density' part means it's durable and weather-resistant. And like most plastics, recycled HDPE can be molded into all sorts of stylish shapes. That's why the best patio furniture makers can craft such diverse and luxurious pieces to meet your outdoor design goals.

But like I mentioned before, you can't judge a product's eco-friendliness without knowing where the base materials came from. Well, here's the real kicker: HDPE can be made from recycled materials like milk jugs and detergent bottles. Some manufacturers source their HDPE from plastic recycling organizations. Some even get theirs from polluted oceans. That's right, your morning cereal milk could end up as part of your chic new Adirondack chair. Mind. Blown.

So, what other plastic products did recycled HDPE have to beat in order to be crowned champ? Well, here are some of the other common outdoor furniture plastics:

• PVC (polyvinyl chloride): Inexpensive to make, but not so eco-friendly
• Polypropylene (PE): Lightweight and recyclable, but not as durable as HDPE
• Resin wicker: Can be made from recycled plastics, but quality varies by maker. Patio Productions only uses HDPE resin wicker!
• Composite wood: a mix of recycled plastics and wood chips or sawdust, more expensive and less versatile

That's not to say you can't find some quality products made from some of these other materials. In fact, at PatioProductions.com, you can find elegant resin wicker patio furniture, as well as a wide range of beautiful, sturdy composite wood pieces. You should check them out. But recycled HDPE remains our top choice for the absolute champion of eco-friendly plastic options.

Criteria for Determining Eco-Friendliness in Outdoor Furniture Plastics

So, how do these different aspects of recycled HDPE actually contribute to its eco-friendliness? It wears the crown because its eco-friendliness is baked into its entire life-cycle.

1. Recycled content: HDPE furniture can be made from up to 100% recycled plastics, keeping waste out of landfills and oceans. Reducing pollutants while levelling up your patio? That's next level, folks.
2. Durability: This stuff is built to last, meaning you won't have to replace it every season (looking at you, flimsy folding chairs). And the longer each piece of furniture stays in use (and out of landfill) is a big win for this planet we call home.
3. Recyclability: At the end of its long life, HDPE furniture can be recycled again and again. There's something downright karmic about that, and it'll make you feel all virtuous as you enjoy your backyard.
4. Low maintenance: Unlike wood, recycled HDPE doesn't need to be painted, stained, or sealed. Just give it a quick wipe-down, and you're good to go. Which is super convenient (the lower the maintenance, the happier I am), but that's not actually the biggest benefit. All those chemicals you're NOT using in the paint, stain, or sealant also aren't flowing out into our water systems. You just saved yourself some effort, as well as saving your local ecology from some seriously painful pollutants.

The Forte Loveseat by Jensen Outdoor uses recycled HDPE resin wicker and sustainably-grown ipe wood, a planet-friendly combo

The Environmental Impact of Recycled HDPE Furniture

Okay, now let's zoom out for a second. The planet's not doing great, and our disposable lifestyles are largely to blame. The good news? We can do something about it (and enjoy some outdoor living at the same time). When you choose recycled HDPE outdoor furniture, you can make a tangible difference.

Statistics Time: according to the EPA, the average American in 2018 generated 4.9 pounds of waste per day, and only about 32% of that was recycled. That means the rest ends up in landfills or, even worse, in our oceans. (I can't imagine those numbers have improved much … have you seen the news?)

By supporting brands that use recycled plastics, you're helping to create a market for these materials and encouraging more companies to adopt sustainable practices. Plus, you're keeping harmful chemicals and microplastics out of the environment.

Recycled HDPE Furniture Brands to Check Out

See? You're not just getting answers, you're getting a chance to see the luxury patio furniture makers who are making our patios beautiful AND our planet healthier! Here are some top-notch brands offering stylish and sustainable recycled HDPE outdoor furniture:

We have many more luxury patio brands than just those that turn recycled HDPE into Insta-worthy patio furniture, so take a moment to explore your options:

Maintaining Your Recycled HDPE Furniture

One of the best things about recycled HDPE furniture is how easy it is to maintain. It won't rot, splinter, or fade. It's resistant to bugs and mold. And it can stand up to all but the most violent weather or tough climates.

To keep your pieces looking fresh, just follow these simple steps:

1. Brush off any loose dirt or debris
2. Mix a bucket of warm, soapy water using mild dish soap
3. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn stains
4. Rinse with clean water and let air dry

Caring for your plastic patio furniture year-round is just that easy! No painting, sealing, or special treatments are needed. So you get to spend that free time on something you want to do … like actually enjoying your recycled plastic patio furniture!

The Final Word on Eco-Friendly Patio Furniture

Now you know which type of outdoor furniture plastic is the most eco-friendly: recycled HDPE! That means you can feel good knowing that your plastic patio pieces have made your outdoor space that much kinder to our planet.

If this has made you want to do some outdoor furniture shopping, stop by our San Diego store (or take a spin around our site). Either way, I hope you find the perfect piece to help you bring life outdoors.