Question 1

How is the EcoRain® Poncho different?

Accepted Answer

Our durable, reusable ponchos are lightweight and great at keeping you dry. Offering you a product that works well and can be relied on when you need it - whether that be a thunderstorm on the Appalachian Trail or at a big game - is our number one priority. What makes us different is that instead of using climate-damaging petroleum to make our ponchos, we use sugarcane bioplastic, which has a net-negative carbon footprint and is fully recyclable. Our ponchos are made from >99% sugarcane-based plastic, meaning that we don't use traditional plastic grades in our ponchos. We also regularly conduct  tests to ensure the minimum bio-based content (i.e., the total percentage of our product that is plant-based) is >87%, according to ASTM D6866.

Question 2

What is bioplastic?

Accepted Answer

Simply put, bioplastic is a plastic made using renewable resources like plants. Our bioplastic is made using Brazilian sugarcane, which is processed into ethanol and then plastic pellets, which we turn into ponchos. Since EcoRain® Ponchos are made using plant material, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, the production of our products actually has a net negative carbon impact, which means that the entire product lifecycle removes more carbon from the atmosphere than is released during processes like manufacturing and shipping.

Question 3

Are your ponchos compostable or biodegradable?

Accepted Answer

Our reusable ponchos are not biodegradable or compostable. Believe it or not, designing ponchos this way is actually better for the environment and our customers. Ponchos that are biodegradable or compostable typically have shorter shelf lives and wouldn't be effective for reuse. In fact, it could even increase the number of ponchos that end up in a landfill.
Compostable plastics are typically not recyclable and can cause problems at recycling plants, damaging machinery and contaminating entire batches of otherwise recyclable plastic that then ends up in landfills [source](https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2017/12/13/the-truth-about-bioplastics/).

In the United States, there is limited composting infrastructure, which means that if we'd designed our ponchos to be compostable (and not recyclable), they would most likely end up in landfills when their useful lives came to an end. Landfills are oxygen-deprived environments. Without oxygen, a compostable plastic would break down and turn into methane, a greenhouse gas 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide. When our ponchos are done being used, we wanted them to turn into something new, rather than climate-damaging methane gas.

Bioplastics are typically either compostable or recyclable. As part of our sustainability commitments, we are looking to implement innovative methods to make the ponchos both compostable and recyclable. To start, we have optimized the ponchos' features to be fully recyclable and to create the most sustainable life cycle.

Question 4

Are your ponchos recyclable? If so, how can I recycle them?

Accepted Answer

Our ponchos are recyclable as Number 4 plastic, which means they can be collected for recycling or deposited at many locations, like grocery stores. Please use a recycling point locator to find a d(https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/recycling-bags-and-wraps/find-drop-off-location/)rop-off location (https://www.plasticfilmrecycling.org/recycling-bags-and-wraps/find-drop-off-location/)for ponchos you no longer wish to use.
 
In addition, as most of our sales are directly to businesses and teams, we are currently working to create a take back system, so that you can recycle your poncho at the same place you purchased it.

Question 5

Do your ponchos release carcinogens?

Accepted Answer

Many reusable ponchos today are made from PVC. This is particularly dangerous, since PVC releases phthalates, which has been linked to cancer, asthma, developmental and reproductive harm. In fact, in 2013, P(https://saferchemicals.org/2013/11/20/toxic-spongebob/)VC ponchos were recalled (https://saferchemicals.org/2013/11/20/toxic-spongebob/)because they were found to have elevated levels of phthalates (7 times greater than the federal safety standard).
 
Our ponchos mimic LDPE, the most benign type of plastic. LDPE does not contain BPA, the primary carcinogen found in plastics. Like all plastics, there are risks during the manufacturing process. We actively work with our factories to reduce these risks and monitor the latest research in plastics, so that we can accurately communicate potential risks to our customers.
 
To learn more about plastics and their potential carcinogenic impacts, see this article.(https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/McKinsey/dotcom/client_service/Sustainability/PDFs/The%20New%20Plastics%20Economy.ashx)

Question 6

Can you print my company logo on your ponchos?

Accepted Answer

Yes we can! Visit our customize your poncho (https://www.greengearsupply.com/customize-your-poncho)section under the shop category to create your inquiry. Please note that there is a 2000 MOQ for customized ponchos.

Question 7

What is your packaging made from?

Accepted Answer

Our packaging is made from F(https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)SC-certified (https://fsc.org/en/fsc-labels)100% recycled kraft material, contributing to our goal to reduce plastic consumption. Most, if not all, ponchos you see today are packaging in more plastic, which cannot be recycled. Our packaging is not only made from recycled materials, but is also biodegradable and recyclable. All ink used on our packaging is soy-based, rather than conventional petroleum-ink. Whereas petroleum ink contains carcinogens like benzene, our ink is made from soybeans mixed with other sustainable ingredients like natural resins and waxes.

Note: In some customized cases, we use kraft material with a biodegradable plastic coating to create a water-resistant packaging option. End-use and ink usage remains the same as the kraft material.

Question 8

Do you donate a portion of your sales?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are members of 1% for the Planet,(http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/) a coalition of companies committed to donating at least 1% of their sales to environmental groups. To learn more about 1% for the Planet, you can visit their website at: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

From
Sugarcane
to
Ponchos

The Problem and Our Solution

How It Works

Highlights of our Poncho Lifecycle

Our Packaging

Recycled kraft material

Made from 100% recycled content. To ensure that our packaging is sustainability sourced, our paper is also FSC® certified.

Soy based ink

A renewable alternative to petroleum-based ink. Switching to soy-based ink, also makes our paper easier to recycle.

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From Sugarcane to Ponchos