ZeroTrash® Revolution Blog Blog
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How Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo reduced soft plas...
Garment retail businesses rely heavily on flexible plastic packaging to protect inventory. But once gowns and tuxedos are unwrapped, that plastic becomes costly, bulky waste. Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo, a...
How Eduardo's Bridal & Tuxedo reduced soft plastic waste volume by 90% with the SPC
Garment retail businesses rely heavily on flexible plastic packaging to protect inventory. But once gowns and tuxedos are unwrapped, that plastic becomes costly, bulky waste. Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo, a family-owned formalwear retailer in San Antonio, partnered with Clear Drop to turn a previously ignored waste stream into a meaningful sustainability win. With the Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC), they now reduce soft plastic volume by nearly 90% and send compacted blocks into real recycling streams instead of landfills. Challenging soft plastic packaging waste Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo has served customers for more than 35 years – from wedding gowns to tuxedos and quinceañera dresses. However, every rental garment arrives wrapped in soft plastic film: shipping wrap, protective covers, dry-cleaning bags, accessory packaging. Previously, this lightweight but bulky material was bagged and sent to landfill. Access to soft plastic recycling in the region was limited, and traditional recycling haulers did not accept film plastics. The result: overflowing bins, higher waste removal costs, and a missed opportunity to support sustainability goals valued by customers and employees, as well as to participate in structured business recycling programs. Solution Clear Drop installed the SPC directly in the back-room storage area, where plastic waste is generated. Staff received quick onboarding with simple signage so the workflow required no habit change. Soft plastics are now collected in one place and compacted into dense blocks using the SPC’s patented surface-softening technology. These space-saving blocks are stored cleanly, picked up monthly, and processed by Clear Drop’s recycling partners – ensuring the waste remains in a circular economy. “It was easy to get the team onboard. We generate so much plastic packaging just unboxing dresses. It was great to finally have something to do with it besides toss it.” — Laura D., store manager. The Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) quickly became part of the daily routine, turning loose plastic into tidy, labeled blocks that fit seamlessly into existing back-of-house processes. Soft Plastic Compactor use case During the two-month pilot, the team collected garment wrap, shrink film from shipments, and dry-cleaning bags. Instead of piling up loose in trash bags, these materials became stackable, labeled SPC blocks ready for real recycling. No disruption to busy fitting-room workflow No additional storage needs for bulky waste Clear visibility of sustainability in action for staff and customers “It’s small, quiet, and honestly kind of satisfying to use. Makes us feel like we’re part of the solution, not just the problem.” — Sylvia B., sales manager. Results Eduardo’s Bridal & Tuxedo reduced soft plastic waste volume by approximately 90%, freeing valuable back-room space and lowering waste handling costs. The success of this pilot has led the business to consider expanding the SPC to its second location, along with customer-facing messaging that highlights their sustainability efforts. Their case shows that even a traditionally waste-intensive service business can make measurable progress with simple, scalable technology like the Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC). Bring Waste Reduction to Your Business See how the SPC can simplify soft plastic management and support your corporate sustainability goals. Learn more for business Explore SPC for your operations Frequently Asked Questions How much waste volume can the SPC reduce? On average, businesses see up to a 90% reduction in soft plastic volume depending on monthly usage and the types of packaging handled. What types of plastics can the SPC process? The SPC processes most soft film plastics, including garment bags, shipping wrap, bubble wrap, plastic mailers, and packaging film. PVC and PS are excluded and should not be placed in the device. How does pickup or recycling work for businesses? Compacted blocks are stored on-site and collected based on a program tailored to each location, ensuring all recyclable soft plastics enter the correct processing stream through Clear Drop’s recycling partners. Does the SPC require changes in workflow? No. The SPC integrates easily into typical back-of-house processes and requires minimal staff time, so teams can keep focusing on customers while improving sustainability performance.
Why business recycling matters: a key to corpor...
Corporate sustainability is now a critical business priority. Both employees and customers expect companies to take action on waste reduction and environmental responsibility — and business recycling is at the...
Why business recycling matters: a key to corporate sustainability
Corporate sustainability is now a critical business priority. Both employees and customers expect companies to take action on waste reduction and environmental responsibility — and business recycling is at the center of it. While many focus on carbon reduction, improving how businesses handle soft plastics — which are not recyclable curbside — is essential for achieving measurable sustainability results and supporting long-term ESG goals. 68% of job candidates say that environmental practices are important in choosing an employer (PwC) 87% of consumers have a more positive image of a company that supports environmental issues (Forbes) 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from companies committed to positive environmental impact (Nielsen) 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable — yet only about 30% is actually recycled (EPA) How Sustainability Strengthens Employer Brand and Customer Loyalty Business sustainability practices are essential to attract top talent. A PwC study found that 68% of job candidates say environmental practices are important in choosing an employer. A Deloitte study found that two-thirds of employees globally don't believe their employers are doing enough to address climate change. On the customer side, Forbes reports that 87% of consumers have a more positive image of a company that supports environmental issues. According to Nielsen, 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from companies committed to positive environmental impact — and about half said they had purchased a sustainable product in the last four weeks. The bottom line Sustainability influences hiring, partnerships, and company image — making it a business development asset, not just a values statement. Business Recycling as a Core Pillar of ESG As companies strive to meet ESG goals, business recycling and waste stream management programs — including how they handle soft plastic waste — are becoming essential. According to EPA data, 75% of the American waste stream is recyclable, but only about 30% of it is recycled. Businesses produce about 25% of all the world's waste every year, and business recycling rates tend to be lower than residential. The Challenge of Rising Soft Plastic Waste More than 95% of plastics generated in the U.S. end up in a landfill or are incinerated. Per capita plastic waste generation has increased by 263% since 1980 — while recycling rates decline. Soft plastic recycling rates remain well below 10%. Soft plastics disrupt sorting operations when co-mingled with other recyclables and require a separate solution — like a compacting device — to prepare them for proper recycling. Real-World Business Recycling Programs Companies across industries are already acting: Corporate: Apple has committed to becoming carbon neutral for corporate operations and aspires to divert over 74% of its waste from landfills through recycling and reuse programs. Healthcare: University of Michigan Health completed a plastics recycling program at Mott Children's Hospital — collecting operating room plastic over 6 months and diverting 2.64 tons from landfills. The program is now permanent and expanding. Higher Education: Virginia Tech, University of Richmond, and Arizona State University are among many colleges collecting and recycling soft plastics including air pillows, bread bags, bubble wrap, and shrink wrap. How to Set Up a Recycling Program for Your Business 1. Conduct a waste audit. Identify the types and quantities of waste your company produces. This reveals opportunities and the resources needed to address them. 2. Separate recyclables. Collect each waste type separately: plastics, organics, glass, metal, cardboard, paper, and electronics. 3. Educate employees. Employee engagement is crucial. Create educational programs, provide easy access to bins, and give clear instructions on what goes where. 4. Set clear goals. Define specific targets — such as diverting 50% of waste from landfills. Track progress and share results with your team regularly. 5. Collaborate with certified recycling facilities. Partner with local recycling centers capable of processing the specific materials you collect. 6. Invest in technology. Emerging innovations are enabling a more convenient and circular approach to workplace recycling — from app-based training to compacting devices for soft plastics. How to Improve Soft Plastic Recycling in the Workplace Soft plastics — film wrap, delivery packaging, snack bags — make up a significant portion of office waste but cannot be recycled curbside. Practical steps for businesses Collect soft plastics separately from other recyclables. Keep them clean and dry. Compact them to reduce bulk and avoid landfill overflow. Partner with recycling services capable of processing soft plastics. Smart solutions for efficient plastic waste management The Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor (SPC) compresses bags, films, and packaging into dense 12×8×4-inch blocks. This prevents contamination, reduces storage needs, and prepares materials for recycling rather than landfill. Compacted blocks are then processed at a dedicated recycling facility — giving your plastics a second life and ensuring the efficiency of your recycling program. As businesses continue to implement sustainable practices, the focus on diverting plastic waste from landfills becomes increasingly important. Through innovative technology, employee engagement, and organized programs, companies can reduce waste, meet diversion goals, and strengthen their corporate sustainability story. Empower your business recycling program The Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor transforms bulky packaging into compact 12×8×4-inch blocks — ready for recycling, not landfill. Learn more about the SPC →
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: ch...
U.S. healthcare produces more than 5 million tons of waste every year, and plastics account for a significant portion of it. While safety and sterility require single-use items, much of...
Tackling plastic in the healthcare industry: challenges and solutions
U.S. healthcare produces more than 5 million tons of waste every year, and plastics account for a significant portion of it. While safety and sterility require single-use items, much of this plastic is still recyclable. This guide breaks down the main challenges and proven solutions that help hospitals improve soft plastic recycling and reduce operational waste — including technologies like soft plastic compactors that make recycling more efficient in clinical settings. 5M+ tons of waste generated by U.S. healthcare annually — equivalent to nearly 3 million midsize cars 90% reduction in soft plastic volume possible with compaction technology, simplifying collection and recycling logistics 6 practical strategies healthcare facilities can implement today to meaningfully reduce their plastic footprint ORs operating rooms are known hotspots for single-use plastics and the highest-impact area for targeted intervention The healthcare industry, while vital to human well-being, is a significant contributor to plastic waste. From single-use syringes and IV bags to sterile packaging, PPE, and food packaging, the sector relies heavily on plastic to ensure hygiene, patient safety, and efficiency. However, this reliance generates vast quantities of plastic waste — much of it non-recyclable due to contamination or mixed materials. Given the environmental urgency, healthcare sustainability professionals are increasingly seeking ways to reduce plastic use and improve recycling within their facilities. Important framing Plastic plays a critical role in modern healthcare. The goal isn't to demonize it, but to examine how its use can be reduced — and how recycling can be improved where reduction isn't possible. 6 Practical Solutions for Healthcare Facilities 1. Conduct a plastic waste audit A comprehensive plastic waste audit allows healthcare facilities to understand the types and volumes of plastics being used and discarded. By identifying high-waste areas, sustainability teams can target specific processes or departments for improvement. Operating rooms are known hotspots for single-use plastics and can benefit from focused interventions. A good audit will provide insight into opportunities for any healthcare facility. 2. Switch to reusable medical supplies where safe Many plastic products in healthcare are single-use for safety reasons, but some items can be safely replaced with reusable alternatives. Surgical instruments, gowns, and certain types of trays can be sterilized and reused. Hospitals should evaluate which plastic items could be replaced without compromising safety or compliance. 3. Implement recycling programs for clean plastics While contaminated plastics are difficult to recycle, clean plastics — such as packaging from sterile instruments — can often be recycled. Establishing a system where staff can easily separate clean from contaminated plastics encourages recycling. Partnering with specialized recycling companies can open new avenues for processing healthcare-specific plastics. "We couldn't ignore the irony of studying microplastics while producing significant plastic waste ourselves. We decided to take action — evaluating how we can reduce that waste and better ensure that as much of it is recycled as possible." — Dr. Charlie Rolsky, Executive Director, Shaw Institute 4. Source bioplastics and eco-friendly alternatives The market for biodegradable and compostable medical products is growing. Items such as bioplastic syringes, eco-friendly bedpans, and compostable packaging can replace traditional plastic counterparts. Healthcare procurement teams can prioritize suppliers who offer sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. 5. Staff training and engagement Sustainability initiatives succeed when staff across all levels understand their role. Regular training sessions, visual aids near disposal areas, and recognition programs for sustainable practices help create a culture of environmental responsibility. Engaged staff are more likely to follow recycling protocols and suggest improvements. 6. Work with manufacturers for sustainable product design Healthcare institutions can leverage their purchasing power to influence manufacturers toward more sustainable designs — advocating for minimal or recyclable packaging, modular designs that reduce material use, or take-back programs where manufacturers reclaim used products for recycling. "There's no single solution to solving the problems related to plastic waste. It will only be through multiple solutions that we can begin to reduce waste, improve recycling, and create what we like to refer to as a ZeroTrash® Lifestyle." — Ivan Arbouzov, President & CEO, Clear Drop, Inc. How Healthcare Facilities Can Improve Soft Plastic Recycling Practical checklist Track and separate clean vs. contaminated plastics during disposal workflows. Install dedicated bins for sterilized packaging and other clean soft plastics. Compact soft plastics to reduce storage volume by up to 90% for easier collection and pickup. Partner with specialized recycling companies that accept medical-grade plastics. Empower clinical staff through sustainability education and clear visual guidance. Many hospitals are piloting compacting technologies to improve recycling logistics. A soft plastic compactor helps keep recyclables out of biohazard waste streams and significantly reduces hauling frequency. Make soft plastic recycling easier in your facility The Clear Drop® Soft Plastic Compactor reduces non-contaminated plastic waste volume by up to 90% — keeping it out of biohazard streams and ready for responsible recycling. Learn more about SPC for healthcare →
