Matmos intended the album to explore our relationship to plastic and how its qualities of "durability, portability, and longevity" are both useful for humans and harmful to the environment.

[4] In the review for AllMusic, Heather Phares claimed, "At once vibrantly creative and deeply disturbing, Plastic Anniversary is filled with nearly as many dualities as Matmos themselves.

Over the years, they've turned what could be a gimmicky approach into an enduring and frequently profound form of expression, and Plastic Anniversary is both relevant to its time and another well-conceived, thought-provoking chapter in their long-running career.

On Plastic Anniversary, the Baltimore duo aren't afraid to triumphantly straddle the line between these two truths.

"[6] Spyros Stasis reviewed the album for PopMatters, concluding that "Plastic Anniversary showcases how it is possible for an artist to find inspiration even in the most mundane.