Wild plastic and why circular economy is also a social mission

Christian Sigmund, CEO of Hamburg-based start-up Wildplastic explains the opportunity of integrating informal waste management systems into the global circular economy.

Photo by Masha Kotliarenko on Unsplash

Wildplastic: Turning Plastic Waste into a Circular Economy Success Story

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Every year, between 350 to 400 million metric tons of plastic waste are generated globally, with only 9% of it being recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, incinerators, or, worse, in the natural environment, responsible for clogging waterways, harming wildlife, and breaking down into microplastics that contaminate our food chain. Despite regulatory measures and consumer pressure, the demand for virgin plastic remains high due to its cost-effectiveness and superior quality compared to recycled alternatives. This is where Wildplastic, a Hamburg-based startup, steps in with a business model that not only recycles waste but also integrates informal waste collection systems into the global circular economy.

The idea of Wildplastic

Wildplastic was founded by a group of individuals who recognized the growing problem of plastic waste in the environment. The team saw an opportunity to turn what was considered trash into a valuable resource. Their approach focuses on collecting and recycling what they term "wild plastic", which is plastic waste that has ended up in nature, in oceans, and in places without formal waste management systems. The idea is simple: reclaim this waste, recycle it into high-quality materials, and reintegrate it into the industrial supply chain.

A Business Model Rooted in Impact

Unlike traditional recycling companies, Wildplastic does not rely solely on conventional waste streams. Instead, they collaborate with informal waste collection organizations in some of the world's most plastic-polluted regions, including India, Indonesia, Thailand, Ghana, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. By doing so, they help integrate local waste pickers into a structured economic model, providing stable employment, better working conditions, and fair wages.

The process begins with collecting and sorting waste, with a particular focus on low-density polyethylene (LDPE), one of the most commonly used but least recycled plastics. If local recycling infrastructure exists, Wildplastic ensures the material is processed close to where it is collected. Otherwise, it is transported to trusted recyclers in Europe, where it is turned into granules that manufacturers can use to create new products.

Overcoming Industry Challenges

One of the biggest barriers to increasing the use of recycled plastics is quality control. Many companies hesitate to use recycled materials due to concerns over consistency and performance. Wildplastic addresses this challenge through meticulous sorting and processing, often relying on manual labor to ensure high purity levels in their feedstock. The company has also worked through extensive trial-and-error cycles with industry partners to refine their materials for real-world applications.

Driving Change Through Partnerships

Wildplastic’s approach has resonated with major brands and manufacturers. One of their first successful products was a trash bag made entirely from recycled wild plastic; a product that exemplifies the absurdity of using virgin plastic for items meant to be discarded. They have since expanded into packaging solutions, including mailer bags used by e-commerce platforms and toilet paper packaging in partnership with Otto and Goldeimer.

Their most recent breakthrough involves using wild plastic in soil bag, an innovation that required years of testing to ensure durability and functionality. This development has earned them industry recognition and underscores the potential of using recycled materials in mainstream applications.

Beyond Recycling: A Social and Environmental Mission

Wildplastic is not just about cleaning up waste; it’s about systemic change. By creating demand for recycled plastic from some of the world’s most polluted regions, they are helping to build economic resilience in underserved communities. Their long-term vision includes implementing a fair-trade certification for recycled plastic, ensuring that workers in the informal waste sector receive living wages and improved conditions.

On the environmental front, the company has conducted lifecycle assessments showing that their model reduces CO2 emissions by 60-70% compared to virgin plastic alternatives. Additionally, by reclaiming plastic waste that would otherwise degrade into microplastics, they contribute to restoring ecosystems and reducing long-term environmental damage.

A New Narrative for Plastic Waste

The team at Wildplastic is keen on shifting the narrative around plastic pollution. For too long, the dominant message has been one of dramatic images like turtles trapped in plastic rings and massive floating garbage patches in our oceans. While these visuals have been effective in raising awareness, Wildplastic believes in a more constructive approach: showing how existing plastic waste can be turned into an opportunity for innovation, sustainability, and social impact.

By connecting the most polluted regions with industries in need of sustainable materials, Wildplastic is proving that a circular economy is not just an idealistic vision but an achievable reality. Their work highlights how businesses, consumers, and policymakers can collaborate to rethink waste, transform industries, and create a more sustainable future.

Looking Ahead

As regulations tighten and consumer awareness grows, companies like Wildplastic are well-positioned to lead the next wave of sustainable innovation. Their model not only offers an environmentally friendly solution to plastic pollution but also empowers communities and redefines the value of waste in a circular economy.

For businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint, collaborating with companies like Wildplastic offers a tangible way to make an impact by turning waste into wealth and paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Listen to the full interview with CEO Christian Sigmund on the bioCircular Loop Podcast!