ZOOM ON : Ocean Bound Plastic

The Urgency of Tackling Drifting Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. Every year, 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into seas and oceans — the equivalent of one truckload every minute, disrupting marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Launched in 2020 by the NGO Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), the Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) label stands out as a credible and effective solution to reduce the impact of poorly managed plastic waste and prevent it from reaching the ocean. It guarantees that recovered plastic waste is treated in accordance with strict standards and repurposed with a focus on sustainability.

What Does "Ocean Bound Plastic" Mean?

Ocean Bound Plastic refers to plastic waste that has a high risk of ending up in the ocean due to improper management. This includes:

• Uncollected or poorly collected plastic waste
• Plastic waste abandoned near coastlines and rivers
• Industrial plastic residues, such as discarded fishing nets
• Dispersed plastic exposed to wind and rainfall

The OBP Certification: A Mark of Transparency and Effectiveness

The OBP recycling program is based on three core standards and one social component, all verified by independent third-party certifiers such as Ecocert: OBP Collection: Ensures effective recovery of abandoned plastic waste (from rivers, beaches, and coastlines). OBP Recycling: Guarantees the transformation of collected plastic into reusable raw materials. OBP Brand: Certifies the use of OBP-certified materials in products. Social+ Component: Adds requirements to ensure ethical working conditions.

Why Pursue OBP Certification with Ecocert?

Brands that commit to the OBP label can:

• Highlight their CSR efforts to consumers increasingly concerned with the environmental impact of their purchases
• Reduce their plastic footprint by actively participating in the recycling and offsetting of polluting plastics
• Increase brand appeal by standing out through transparent communication

Here are some key figures illustrating the label's adoption:

• 444 OBP certificates issued (as of February 2025)
• 196 companies certified since the program’s launch
• 118 companies currently hold a valid certification
• 153 active certifications to date
• Program present in 19 countries, with a strong footprint in Asia (109 certified companies, including 55 in China)

Toward a Future Without Ocean Plastic The Ocean Bound Plastic label represents a major step forward in the fight against marine pollution. By combining recycling with social responsibility, it offers brands a credible and measurable solution, verified by a certification body, to integrate sustainable packaging into their production chains.

Ecocert: A Key Player in the Transition to a Circular Economy By choosing Ecocert for OBP certification of your packaging and raw materials, you actively contribute to significantly reducing plastic pollution while supporting a circular and inclusive economy.

Join the OBP Movement with Ecocert! 🌍♻️