Non-Toxic Plastic vs. Natural Rubber 

In the hunt for hard good toys, two materials reigns supreme – plastic and rubber. To determine which material is the most sustainable option, we have to look at a few things. Like where the material comes from, how it is processed, and what happens once the toy is in well-loved pieces? 

Non-Toxic Plastic vs. Natural Rubber 

Plastic has often been the bad guy in the battle to protect our planet. From oceans littered with debris to landfills filled with chemical-laden plastics that take hundreds of years to decompose, plastic’s negative reputation is well-deserved. But what if we told you that in some cases, plastic can actually be a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice?   

If you’re an eco-warrior, this might surprise you, but stay with me. 

Completely free from Latex, Silicones, BPA, and Phthalates (forever chemicals) West Paw has redefined what non-toxic plastic means in the world of pet products. While it’s true that plastic in its conventional, single use form can contribute to pollution, the non-toxic plastic we use is part of an innovative, low-waste cycle that challenges the traditional narrative around plastics and doesn’t have to end up in landfills.  

It’s not just about choosing the right material; it’s about managing that material responsibly. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond supply chain and manufacturing; it extends to how we handle our products at the end of their life cycle. 

Plastic: Durable and Long Lasting 

What’s often overlooked in these discussions is plastic’s durability and longevity—qualities that make it an excellent choice for dog toys designed to withstand wear and tear. Pet products are often designed to be consumed and discarded on a regular bases – often relying on cheaply made materials that wear out quickly, encouraging repeated purchases. 

Dogs can be tough on their toys, chewing, tugging, and fetching with a level of energy that would destroy lesser materials, but our material is resilient. Meaning our toys can survive even the most aggressive chewers—resistant to breaking apart easily and avoiding having to constantly replace them.  

Plus, once you master the process of reclaiming, recycling, and re-using non-toxic plastic, you’ve created a continuous cycle of toys full of playful memories that can live on, and on, and on.     

Rubber: Not As Sustainable as it Sounds 

Many eco-conscious consumers are drawn to natural rubber as a more sustainable alternative to plastic. It is often portrayed as a "greener" option since it comes from the sap of rubber trees, which (on the surface) sounds more environmentally friendly than synthetic plastic. However, the production of natural rubber comes with several environmental and social concerns. 

Rubber farming, particularly in tropical areas, can have devastating effects on ecosystems. To meet the growing demand for rubber, deforestation clears vast swathes of forest, soil degradation, and habitat loss. The chemicals used in the rubber refining process also have their own negative environmental footprint. Even the production of synthetic rubber, while not involving deforestation, can release significant levels of CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Additionally, the demand for natural rubber often leads to a loss of biodiversity through monoculture plantations, which deplete soil health and require intensive water use and chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. These practices not only threaten ecosystems but also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making it essential to consider the environmental impact of natural rubber manufacturing. 

Plastic Production: More Energy-Efficient Than You Think 

While it’s easy to see plastic as inherently bad for the planet, it’s important to look at the full picture of its environmental impact. Contrary to common belief, plastic production can be less energy-intensive than producing materials like metals, paper, or glass. When it comes to dog toys, this means that plastic toys—when designed with durability in mind—can be more sustainable than alternatives that require more resources to produce. 

Rubber: A One Hit Wonder 

Recycling natural rubber is incredibly tricky and very rarely done because of the chemical processes it undergoes during manufacturing. Processes like vulcanization permanently change its structure, making it hard to break down and reuse without losing quality. These changes make it difficult to break rubber down into reusable components without degrading its quality. Additionally, the recycling process often involves the use of energy-intensive methods and chemicals, which can generate waste and emissions. Even when natural rubber is repurposed, it eventually degrades and contributes to waste in landfills or the environment. While natural rubber is more sustainable than some alternatives, it’s can never be a zero-waste material. 

In short, natural rubber is not as sustainable as it sounds. In comparison, non-toxic plastics like Zogoflex and Seaflex offer a more environmentally responsible alternative–especially when managed correctly. 

Non-Toxic Plastic That is Infinitely Recyclable 

Since 2004 Pet parents have helped recycle by sending back old West Paw toys once they've been loved to pieces, closing the loop on waste and give plastic a second life (and third, and fourth, and fifth…). We take the worn-out toy, sanitize it, grind it up, and feed it back into our manufacturing process to create brand new toys without losing any durability.  

This closed-loop system means that your dog’s favorite toy doesn’t have to meet an unfortunate end in a landfill—it can be reborn as bright and bouncy new toy, ready to be buried in the backyard again and again. The more toys we get back, the greener our process becomes. With every toy recycled, we get closer to our goal of creating a truly zero-waste product, finding the balance between creating long-lasting, durable products without compromising the future of the planet.  We invite people to Join the Loop.

A Better Future: More Sustainable and More Fun for Your Pup 

By challenging the conventional understanding of plastic and sustainability, we can have a more nuanced conversation about what it means to make products that are both effective and environmentally responsible. West Paw toys are a perfect example of how non-toxic plastic, when used in a mindful and responsible way, can be both durable and sustainable.

So, the next time someone calls plastic a "dirty word," just remember that with a little innovation and a lot of thoughtfulness, plastic can be a tool for creating a cleaner, greener world—one durable dog toy at a time.