Global public affairs at The Ocean Cleanup
Ocean plastic pollution is a global emergency, and a global emergency requires a global response. The Ocean Cleanup aims to be part of the solution by developing and scaling technologies to intercept plastic, but we cannot scale alone. To rid the ocean of its plastics, we need to work closely with individuals, corporations, scientists, international organizations, like-minded institutions, and governments. With the help of our technologies, data, and experience, states can fulfill their international obligations and conserve our shared heritage, the ocean.
International developments
Plastic pollution is a cross-boundary problem, which makes it difficult to combat. Efforts to address plastic pollution are fragmented, thus failing to deal with the problem at a systemic level. Now, finally, the plastic crisis has been receiving increasing attention from international policymakers. In particular, marine litter and microplastics have been on the agenda of the UN Environment Assembly for several years. The Ocean Cleanup aims to assist policymaking processes by providing input based on our operational learnings and scientific research. In September 2022, the United Nations granted us consultative status, which enables us to contribute to Multilateral Environmental Agreement processes.
UN Global Plastics Treaty
The UN Global Plastics Treaty will be a historic, new, legally binding global instrument to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. This treaty is a key moment for realizing a plastic-free ocean. In November 2022, we shared our vision for the treaty during the first meeting of the negotiations:
- We need collective action to remove legacy plastic pollution in the Ocean
- We must monitor riverine plastic emissions and set clear targets for the reduction and elimination of such emissions by 2040
- Innovation must play a role in ending plastic pollution from source to sea.
Find out more about our engagement in the Treaty here.
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Carbon emissions
Plastic in the ocean may accelerate climate change, as plastic pollution impacts the ocean’s ability to produce oxygen and capture carbon.
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Society & Economy
According to an economic assessment conducted by Deloitte, the yearly economic costs due to marine plastic pollution are estimated to be up to 19 billion USD.
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Environmental impact
Plastic pollution in the world's oceans is one of the biggest environmental issues of our time, impacting over 900 marine species, out of which more than 100 are critically endangered.
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Human Health
Plastic pollution does not only impact sea life; it also carries toxic pollutants into the food chain – a food chain including us humans. Research indicates that exposure to microplastics may be toxic for humans.
Innovation Alliance
Bridging the gap between innovation and policymaking
Innovators, solutionists, and startups are underrepresented in multilateral environmental agreements. This is why we co-founded together with rePurpose Global Inc. The Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty: a cross-sector alliance to unite and promote the role of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in the Global Plastics Treaty. Read the vision statement to learn more about key actions to change the plastic pollution lifecycle.
Apply to join and see the objectives of the alliance below:
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A voice for innovation
Ensure that technology & business model innovations across the entire plastics value chain are considered & prioritized in the Treaty.
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A seat at the table
Facilitate representation of innovators at Treaty negotiations & events to help bring their unique perspectives to policymakers.
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Build awareness
Create awareness about the Global Plastics Treaty, as well as the state and progress of tangible solutions against plastic pollution
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Data-driven policymaking
Aggregate and systematize existing data on plastic pollution impacts currently held by individual innovators across the value chain in order to guide policy decision-making and enable treaty monitoring & evaluation.
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Power of partnership
Unify the innovation ecosystem that has so far been tackling the plastic problem within individual silos and increase engagement between public and private entities to move the needle on plastic pollution.
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Promote environmental justice
Prioritize sustained economic & employment opportunities, especially with vulnerable communities, waste worker communities & promote the value of indigenous knowledge to accelerate innovative solutions against plastics.
International Collaborations
UNDP Partnership
In February 2023, The Ocean Cleanup signed a memorandum of understanding with UNDP to work together on eliminating plastic pollution in oceans and rivers. In this partnership, The Ocean Cleanup provides technology, expertise, and data monitoring, while UNDP helps find opportunities for local collaboration and government support. Each contributes to a whole-of-society solution to plastic pollution. All to ensure that countries can develop their societies without sacrificing their environments.
Submitted to the Rule-of-Law
Ahead of starting operations in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch for the first time in 2018, we signed a unique agreement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a voluntary commitment to respect all applicable environmental safeguards, marine activity, and plastic management regulations, subjecting ourselves to the highest environmental standards currently in force. This agreement states that the activities of The Ocean Cleanup are closely aligned with the ambitions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands regarding innovation, sustainability, and ocean policy. The international community can hold the Kingdom of the Netherlands accountable for the activities of The Ocean Cleanup.
UN Ocean Decade
2021-2030 is designated as the Ocean Decade by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission with the objective to achieve “transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development, connecting people and our ocean”.
The UN Ocean Decade endorses initiatives that contribute to the 10 Decade Challenges. Two projects by The Ocean Cleanup are officially endorsed: The Ocean Cleanup Science and Technology Programme and the Automated Debris Imaging System of Ocean Plastic (ADIS).
The UN Ocean Decade endorsement demonstrates The Ocean Cleanup’s contribution to the immediate priorities of the Ocean Decade, the collaborative nature and global impact of our work.
Institutional affiliations
Accelerate pollution solutions
Plastic pollution is, luckily, a topic that is gaining priority for many. Let’s join forces to make a bigger impact.
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Get in touch
If your goal is to reduce plastic pollution either through policy changes or through cleanup, get in touch to discuss how we can work together.
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Citizens of the world
Plastic pollution impacts us all, regardless of where you live. Help bring awareness to our research and cleanup operations by following and sharing our updates on social media. Tip: LinkedIn is where we post the most about global affairs.
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Sign up for updates
Join our newsletter to get updated on all things The Ocean Cleanup.
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View on LinkedinThe United Nations has formally granted The Ocean Cleanup Consultative Status
This will allow us to have a voice and play a role in formal deliberations with UN bodies, NGOs, and member state governments, where we will share our best available knowledge and data on plastic pollution in oceans and rivers. Our consultative role will begin with the upcoming negotiations for the new UN Plastics Treaty. We acknowledge before the United Nations Economic and Social Council and its member states the responsibility our new status carries, and we stand ready to help states and other civil society organizations move towards clean oceans for all. -
Read the press releaseIndonesia enters new agreement with The Netherlands and The Ocean Cleanup to reduce marine debris from rivers.
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Read moreThe Ocean Cleanup addresses the UN Environment Assembly at the first round of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-1).
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Read moreThe Ocean Cleanup submits a written statement with suggestions on objectives, obligations, and implementation mechanisms for the Global Plastics Treaty.
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Read the udpateThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Ocean Cleanup signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on eliminating plastic pollution in oceans and rivers around the globe.
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Listen the podcastJoão Ribeiro-Bidaoui, General Counsel and Director of Global Public Affairs, speaks to Catching Up to explain how The Ocean Cleanup isn’t just cleaning plastic, but is also building partnerships and working to influence anti-plastic pollution policies at the highest global levels
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Read the press releaseThe Ocean Cleanup and municipality of Guatemala City sign a Cooperation Agreement to tackle plastic pollution in rivers.
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Read the press release60 leading innovators against plastic pollution call for a pragmatic and inclusive Global Plastics Treaty.
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Read more on TwitterThe Innovation Alliance, co-convened by The Ocean Cleanup and rePurpose Global, participates in the UN Global Plastics Treaty INC-2 in Paris this week to share our experiences and support efforts to reach an agreement.
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Read on IUCNSmall Island Developing States (SIDS) call for ambitious Global Plastics Treaty at INC-2 in Paris.
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Read moreThe Ocean Cleanup publishes pre-submission a, to INC-3 covering the scope of the treaty and guiding principles.
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Read moreThe Ocean Cleanup publishes pre-submission b, to INC-3 covering definitions in the treaty and suggestions for intersessional work.
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View on LinkedinIn the run-up to INC3, IAGPT and the Nairobi Group of Friends to Combat Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution (NGoF) are hosting two webinars on innovation - bringing together governments and innovators to guide policy decision-making on plastics
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Read moreThe Ocean Cleanup submitted a statement as an official observer at INC3. The Ocean Cleanup asserts that the upcoming instrument must concurrently control plastic production, halt plastic leakage into rivers and oceans, monitor emissions for accountability and effectiveness, and address legacy plastic pollution, including in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Read the statement here.
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See the reportThe World Economic Forum/Global Plastic Action Partnership has launched their "Circular Industry Solutions for a Global Plastics Treaty" report featuring The Ocean Cleanup as a case study for collection, cleaning, and sorting. This timely report showcases existing solutions and highlights the role of the innovation ecosystem to governments and stakeholders involved in the Global Plastics Treaty process. How can the Treaty address legacy plastic pollution? Read more about our Treaty inputs and the case study on the World Economic Forum website.
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View on LinkedinThe Dutch State renews its support for The Ocean Cleanup’s activities in the high seas.
