From problem to solution: how companies can tackle ocean pollution with Ocean Bound Plastic recyclates

Ocean Bound Plastic Certification

Companies have a special responsibility to support environmentally friendly practices and measures to reduce plastic pollution in the oceans. One excellent way to do this is through the use of OBP-certified pellets.

What is Ocean Bound Plastic?

The certifier Zero Plastic Oceans uses the following definition for Ocean Bound Plastic: OBP is "abandoned plastic waste" (microplastics, mezzo-plastics and macroplastics) located within 50 km of the coast where waste management is non-existent or inefficient. If the plastic waste is already in a landfill or managed disposal site, it is not considered OBP. However, if this waste is deposited in an uncontrolled or informal landfill, it is considered OBP waste.

From this definition, the certifier has developed four different categories for OBP waste. "Potential OBP", that consists of inadequately collected plastic waste within 50 km of the coastline. "Waterways OBP", plastic waste located no more than 200 m away from rivers or in rivers. "Shoreline OBP", which is located a maximum of 200 m from the shoreline and "Fishing Material", which consists of used fishing nets and plastic by-catch.

What does Ocean Bound Plastic OBP certified mean?

OBP certification from Zero Plastic Oceans certifies that OBP plastic waste is collected appropriately and ethically, is handled responsibly after collection, and the supply chain is traceable from OBP waste to final product.

The certification is divided into two subcategories: the Ocean Bound Plastic Recycling certification subprogram and the Ocean Bound Plastic Neutrality certification subprogram. The former is aimed at companies that focus on commercially recyclable OBP. It is designed to certify that OBP waste is ethically transformed into new products. The second is aimed at organisations that work with non-commercially recyclable OBP. This certification is intended to certify that OBP waste is collected and removed ethically and that the associated OBP credits are fully verified and traceable. This ensures that OBP offsetting has actually taken place.

What standards does Ocean Bound Plastic OBP certification guarantee for commercially viable OBP?

The certification guarantees compliance with social, environmental, quality and traceability criteria. Among them are the following:

no child labour

fair working conditions

fair payment for waste collectors

adequate waste management

existence of a quality management system

compliance with the criteria for the collection of OBP from the first collection stage onwards

traceability of OBP throughout its journey

Are you looking for a different certification or do you still have questions? Feel free to contact us and send an email to inquiries@sinox-polymers.com .