Examples of non-recyclable plastics include bioplastics, composite plastic, plastic-coated wrapping paper and polycarbonate. Well known non-recyclable plastics include cling film and blister packaging.

HDPE can easily be melted down at home and on an industrial scale, so it can be used again and again for different applications. It is also easy to work with and can be moulded in almost any shape. HDPE is corrosion resistant too, making it a perfect material for storage containers.

To make the mats, plastic bags are cut into 4-inch strips and looped together to make plarn, or plastic yarn. The plarn is then crocheted to make the mat. It takes 700 plastic bags to make a 6-foot-tall mat with two-inch straps and carry handle.