Refill, Reuse, Revolutionize: The Clean Future of Personal Care with Lindsey McCoy, Plaine Products

As we move forward in our world consciousness and conversations focused on sustainability and ethical living, companies like Plaine Products stand out as beacons of innovation and purpose. I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Lindsey McCoy, co-founder of Plaine Products, to discuss her journey from nonprofit management to creating a groundbreaking personal care brand with her sister, Alison. Here's a closer look at their inspiring story and mission.

From Nonprofit to Business: A Passion for Change

Lindsay’s career began in nonprofit management, focusing on women and children’s issues. Her life took a pivotal turn when she moved to the Bahamas with her husband and began running an environmental education nonprofit. Witnessing the devastating effects of plastic pollution firsthand—on pristine beaches and remote islands—planted the seeds for what would later become Plaine Products.

“When I heard there might be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050, it hit me hard,” Lindsey recalls. “I started skipping the straw, carrying a reusable water bottle, but I couldn't ignore the plastic bottles in my shower.”

This realization spurred her decision to address the problem directly by creating a sustainable personal care brand.

The Birth of Plaine Products

Founded in 2017, Plaine Products started with a simple but revolutionary idea: What if packaging could be reused, not discarded? This concept led to their unique refillable system, designed to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.

The company’s first offerings—a shampoo, conditioner, and body wash—were a test of this model. “We thought, why can’t packaging be like Netflix DVDs back in the day? You use it, send it back, and it’s reused,” Lindsey explains. Despite the steep learning curve and challenges, including sourcing the right ingredients and sustainable packaging, the sisters persevered.

The Power of Aluminum and Plant-Based Ingredients

Plaine Products made a conscious choice to use aluminum bottles. Unlike plastic, aluminum is lightweight, recyclable, and durable. "Plastic is a great material but not for single-use items," Lindsey notes. Aluminum bottles can be reused multiple times, reducing the energy and resources needed to create new containers.

Equally important are the products themselves. Made with vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic ingredients, the formulas are as kind to the planet as they are to users. “Why work hard to keep plastic out of the environment but dump harmful chemicals down the drain?” Lindsey asks. This ethos extends to every aspect of their operations, from sourcing ingredients to working with manufacturers who share their values.

Building a Community Around Sustainability

Plaine Products owes much of its success to a strong sense of community. Early on, Lindsey reached out to influencers and like-minded individuals to spread the word. This grassroots approach, coupled with a commitment to customer education, has helped the brand thrive.

“We listen to customer feedback,” she shares. “They’ve guided everything from new products to adjustments in our packaging. It’s a partnership.”

The subscription model has also been a game-changer, providing stability while encouraging long-term relationships with customers.

Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

Like any entrepreneurial journey, Plaine Products’ path has been filled with challenges. From rusting prototypes to refining their messaging, Lindsey emphasizes the importance of adaptability and learning from mistakes. “You don’t start at perfection,” she says. “You grow, adjust, and keep moving forward.”

The company recently hit a major milestone: 700,000 bottles sold, each representing one less plastic bottle in a landfill or the ocean. Looking ahead, Lindsey and Alison aim to expand their product line while staying true to their mission of sustainability and ethical practices.

A Special Offer for You

Plaine Products is more than a business—it’s a movement. If you’re ready to join the refill revolution, visit Plaine Products and use the code WILDPARTYPODCAST for 20% off your first order.

Closing Thoughts

Lindsey McCoy’s story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. By addressing a pressing environmental issue with innovation and heart, Plaine Products is not only making a difference but also inspiring others to do the same.

So, why not make your personal care routine a little kinder to the planet? Together, we can create a world where sustainability is the norm, not the exception.