The Good Plastic Company has established a global reputation for transforming plastic waste into high-quality panels used in architecture and interior design. These panels are not only durable but also visually striking, turning waste into a product that people are keen - and proud - to use. The company has experienced rapid growth, and the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) has played a crucial role in helping the company to maintain its momentum.
The journey begins
Born and raised in Ukraine, William Chizhovsky has always felt a duty and a determination to have a positive impact on the world. While studying at Harvard University, he was deeply inspired by a speech delivered by fellow student Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg's vision of how technology could reshape industries and drive social change really struck a chord with him.
That speech planted a seed, which would grow into a firm conviction: if he could use his entrepreneurial skills to tackle an issue like plastic pollution, he could change the world and redefine how businesses approach sustainability.
The spark of inspiration
During a trip to the Mediterranean, William had an eye-opening experience. The crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches he had always imagined were marred by piles of plastic waste. The sight was devastating, as William recalls: "I remember sitting on the beach, looking at plastic bottles washed up by the waves. I couldn't stop thinking: This isn't someone else's problem - it's mine, too. If I have the ability to act, I must.'"
He quickly realised that only large-scale solutions could truly have an impact on the global plastic crisis. With this conviction, William combined his desire for sustainability with his passion for entrepreneurship. And in 2018, after moving to the Netherlands, he founded The Good Plastic Company.
"Plastic has always been seen as cheap and disposable," William explains. "But what if we could show the world it's actually a valuable material with endless potential?"
Resilience during turbulent times
In 2020, just two years after its establishment, The Good Plastic Company expanded its operations into Ukraine, William's home country. A factory was set up in Bila Tserkva. However, Russian's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 made it unsafe to continue operations there. The company moved its Ukrainian production site to Chernivtsi, a city near the Romanian border that offered both safety and logistical advantages. This quick decision allowed the company to continue operating without interruption.
"Relocating the factory was one of the hardest things we've ever had to do," William admits. "But giving up was never an option."
A key step forward
As the company grew and began serving a broader market, obtaining industry certifications became a critical challenge. The Good Plastic Company was awarded a grant by the EBRD and the EU under their joint programme - Climate Innovation Vouchers. and part of that grant was invested in achieving vital certifications. The programme is part of the EBRD's Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC), supported by the EU under its EU4Climate initiative.
"Today, we are the only company in our category with Cradle to Cradle certification," William says. "This sets us apart. This certification confirms that we are transparent and a truly green company. It also helps us to build trust with global customers who value working with sustainable suppliers."
Worldwide recognition
This milestone gave the company a significant boost. Its panels, which are made entirely from recycled plastic, began to attract attention from world-renowned brands in various industries. These collaborations demonstrated that large-scale, sustainable solutions could be integrated into global business models.
In 2024, The Good Plastic Company showcased its achievements and vision on the international stage at COP29. "This was a platform for us to show that innovation, paired with collaboration, can tackle the most pressing challenges of our time," William notes.
Global demand for the company's Polygood® material continues to grow. By 2024, The Good Plastic Company had expanded its customer base across Europe and entered the US market, with plans to build a production plant in the United States of America.
Looking ahead with deep roots
Despite his global aspirations, William's connection to his home country remains steadfast. The Good Plastic Company has been involved in various charity initiatives in Ukraine, donating materials for playgrounds in war-affected areas of the country.
"Ukraine is where my heart is," he says. "Everything I've achieved is rooted in the lessons and values I learned growing up there. Giving back is the least I can do."
Looking to the future, William remains driven by the same vision that inspired him on the Mediterranean shores: a desire to make the world's plastic waste a valuable resource, rather than a burden.
"Sustainability isn't just a buzzword," he emphasises. "It's a responsibility we all share."
