What is Ocean-Bound Plastic?

We define ocean-bound plastic as plastic that has not yet found its way into the ocean and is classified as “mismanaged waste.” That is, plastic that is not being collected and not likely to be collected and is found on the ground within 50 kilometers of a waterway or coastal area. Due to the high rate of fishing gear abandonment, NextWave Plastics includes reclaimed used fishing gear in our definition of ocean-bound plastic eligible for use in member companies’ products.

The Marine Plastic Pollution Problem

There are currently up to 150 million metric tons of plastic in our ocean. Each year, more than 8 million more enter the ocean - equivalent to a garbage truck every minute - and this annual rate is on track to nearly triple by 2040. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish (by weight). 

Ocean plastic pollution is largely due to the fact that people in many places of the world don’t have access to sufficient waste management services. There is an opportunity to turn plastic into a commodity and rethink “waste” across the globe. In fact, it is estimated that we have the solutions and technology to stop 80% of ongoing ocean plastic pollution over the next 20 years if we pursue systemic change. Let’s get to work!