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You might have seen it printed on the label of your body wash bottle. Or maybe you’ve seen related terms on TV news and in newspapers. Wherever you’ve picked it up from, it still might beg the question:
A quick overview of the topics covered in this article.
What Is Ocean-Bound Plastic (OBP)
Ocean-Bound Plastic (OBP) refers to “Abandoned Plastic Waste” (microplastics, mezzo-plastics, and macro-plastics) found within 50 km from shores where waste management is non-existent or inefficient. This type of plastic waste is at a high risk of entering the ocean due to its proximity to coastlines and lack of proper disposal systems. If plastic waste is already in a landfill or managed dump site, it is not considered OBP. However, when abandoned in uncontrolled or informal dump sites, this waste is classified as OBP. According to the research by Jenna R. Jambeck et al. publication in Science. There are 275 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. That’s why protecting the marine environment has become an unavoidable topic.
Can Ocean-Bound Plastic Be Recycled?
Yes, ocean-bound plastic can be recycled. The process involves collecting plastic waste from coastal areas and converting it into usable raw materials. Recycling OBP not only helps in reducing the volume of plastic waste entering the ocean but also promotes the creation of sustainable products. Companies like Gidea Packaging are leading the way in transforming OBP into high-quality packaging materials. This effort not only helps in waste management but also supports a circular economy where waste is repurposed into valuable products.
What Are Examples of Ocean-Bound Plastics?
When thinking about examples of ocean-bound plastics, a significant category to consider is cosmetic and skincare packaging. This includes:
- Plastic Bottles: Used for shampoos, conditioners, and body washes. These are often discarded improperly and can make their way to coastal areas.
- Plastic Jars: Commonly used for creams, lotions, and exfoliants.
- Tubes: Frequently used for products like facial cleansers, sunscreens, and toothpaste.
- Caps and Lids: Small and often overlooked, these can easily be lost and end up as OBP.
What Are the Benefits of Ocean-Bound Plastic?
The benefits of recycling and using ocean-bound plastic are numerous:
- Environmental Protection: Recycling OBP reduces the amount of plastic waste that enters the oceans, thereby protecting marine ecosystems from pollution and harm.
- Resource Efficiency: Using OBP decreases the need for virgin plastic production, conserving natural resources and reducing carbon emissions associated with plastic manufacturing.
- Circular Economy: Promotes a sustainable model where waste is repurposed into valuable products, closing the loop of product life cycles and minimizing waste.
- Corporate Responsibility: Companies that use OBP demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship, which can enhance their brand image and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
By understanding and addressing the issue of ocean-bound plastic, we can make significant strides toward protecting our oceans and promoting a more sustainable future. Learn more about ocean-bound plastic.
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