Plastic has always been more than just a material. It’s the physical embodiment of modern industry’s greatest triumphs and most glaring failures—a creation so versatile and durable it refuses to disappear. For decades, brands have relied on it as an inexpensive solution, driving convenience and consumption to extraordinary heights. But the consequences are unavoidable: ecosystems teeter on the brink of collapse, marine life pays the ultimate price, and humanity faces the sobering reality of microplastics in the air we breathe and the food we eat.
While governments and organizations grapple with policies and bans, a handful of companies have stepped forward with solutions that cut through the noise. Plastic Negative and Plastic Neutral certifications reach far beyond greenwashed promises. These certifications demand verifiable action—measurable removal and offsetting of plastic waste to combat a growing global crisis. The brands embracing these standards don’t just talk about change; they invest in it.
Lets take a look at 5 brands from the Directory that are ditching plastic.
Plastic Negative
Ursa Major
Ursa Major’s identity is rooted in a philosophy of doing more with less. Based in Vermont, the brand focuses on clean skincare crafted with toxin-free ingredients. But its commitment extends beyond its products. Certified Plastic Negative, Ursa Major partners with rePurpose Global to fund the removal of twice as much plastic waste as it uses in its packaging.
This funding supports recovery systems in regions disproportionately affected by plastic pollution, particularly in areas where waste management infrastructure is underdeveloped. Ursa Major also takes steps to reduce its reliance on plastic altogether. The brand has rolled out refillable packaging for select products, designed guides to help customers recycle its packaging correctly, and continues to explore alternatives to traditional plastic materials. These actions show a clear effort to tackle the problem at multiple levels, addressing both the production and end-of-life challenges associated with plastic. Their work is about progress over perfection in an industry long overdue for it.
Rated: Top Choice
Meow Meow Tweet
Meow Meow Tweet operates on a philosophy of community care. The small-batch skincare company creates vegan, cruelty-free products using ethically sourced ingredients. It is also certified Plastic Negative, contributing to the removal of double the plastic waste it generates.
The company avoids plastic wherever possible, using biodegradable or compostable materials in much of its packaging. For products that require plastic components, it offsets their impact by funding recovery efforts in underserved communities where waste infrastructure is inadequate. Beyond these measures, Meow Meow Tweet provides resources to educate consumers on reusing and recycling packaging to minimize waste further. This brand’s efforts are proof that small-scale production can have a large-scale impact when sustainability is integrated into every part of the process. The result is a company that designs for sustainability at every level.
Rated: Top Choice
Saie
Saie has worked to embody the ethos of clean beauty with its commitment to quality and accountability. As a certified Plastic Negative brand, it invests in programs that extract twice the amount of plastic it produces. This involves direct investments in recovery programs that remove plastic waste from waterways, landfills, and communities most affected by pollution. Saie collaborates with experts to ensure that these efforts focus on regions where the impact of plastic pollution is most severe.
Packaging innovation is another area where Saie takes meaningful steps. It has introduced refillable options for some products and works to reduce the use of single-use plastics in its supply chain. Saie’s strategy also includes a commitment to continuously reassess its materials and processes to reduce waste further. With a growing product line and an unyielding focus on accountability, Saie demonstrates that beauty can coexist with a commitment to sustainability.
Rated: Top Choice
Plastic Neutral
Clover by Clove
Clover by Clove brings affordability and accountability to sustainable beauty. Clover by Clove offsets the plastic it uses by funding waste recovery systems that remove an equivalent amount of plastic waste. The certification as Plastic Neutral reflects a deliberate choice to account for the environmental cost of its operations. These efforts target regions most impacted by pollution, addressing critical gaps in waste management infrastructure.
The brand prioritizes simplicity in its packaging, opting for recyclable materials such as post-consumer plastics and biodegradable alternatives and avoiding unnecessary extras. By keeping its designs streamlined, Clover by Clove reduces waste at the source while ensuring its products remain accessible and practical for everyday use.
Clover by Clove’s focus is on balance rather than overcorrection. Its investments in recovery systems provide a model for how companies can take responsibility for their environmental impact without overcomplicating the process.
Rated: Conscious
Cleancult
Cleancult specializes in household cleaning products but has taken steps that set it apart in an industry dominated by single-use plastics. Certified Plastic Neutral, the brand offsets its plastic use through investments in global recovery programs that focus on removing waste from areas most affected by plastic pollution.
The company’s innovation lies in its packaging design. Cleancult uses shatter-resistant glass bottles paired with plant-based refill cartons to significantly reduce the amount of plastic required for its products. Customers can refill their cleaning products indefinitely, eliminating the need to repurchase plastic bottles.
Cleancult also collaborates with organizations that focus on sustainable waste management, ensuring its offsets translate into measurable environmental benefits. Its efforts provide a clear example of how redesigning product systems can disrupt traditional models of plastic-heavy production.
Rated: Conscious
These brands demonstrate that addressing plastic pollution isn’t about abstract promises or one-time fixes. It’s about integrating recovery, innovation, and accountability into every aspect of a business. By supporting companies that prioritize these practices, consumers are choosing to invest in a future where waste management is proactive rather than reactive.
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