Bantam Materials UK Ltd. (Prevented Ocean Plastic)

We all know there’s an ocean plastic problem. According to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, over 17 million metric tonnes of plastic clogged the ocean in 2021, and that number is set to double or even triple by 2040. Sun and salt water degrade the plastic, making its removal a clean-up effort, whereas recycling is a preventative measure. As industry experts, the solution is clear, we need to collect and prevent this plastic before it enters the ocean. Since 2011, Bantam Materials UK Ltd. has been a global supplier of recycled plastics, proving that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. We recognised a need in the market - creating opportunity for consumers and brands to choose recycled materials, while helping to build collection infrastructure and create jobs in coastal regions that need them most - and in 2019, we launched the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme.

The programme works hand in hand with local recyclers in areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution to build waste management infrastructure and give value to discarded plastic. It can then be given a second life as new recycled products, in order to help companies reach their sustainability targets for 2025 and beyond. Our operating definition of ocean-bound plastic, was inspired by the pioneering work of Distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering and 2022 MacArthur Fellow, Dr. Jenna Jambeck, and her research team. They utilised various criteria in their research, and it is important to consider these factors in conjunction, rather than looking at one aspect of the problem in isolation. Most importantly, the country or region lacks proper waste management infrastructure and collection incentives. Secondly, the infrastructure is being overwhelmed by population growth and/or increased tourism. Thirdly, there is a significant risk to wildlife and biodiversity if plastic contaminates their ecosystem. And finally, it is found within 50km (30mi) distance of an ocean coastline or major waterway that feeds into the ocean. Academic research is always at the core of what we do – offering tangible solutions to real-world problems – which is why we established the Prevented Ocean Plastic Research Centre in 2020, and our work continues to be inspired by the latest studies in the field.

The solution operates according to the implementation of our industry-leading Prevented Ocean Plastic Standards for recyclers and collection centres - with a focus on social equity, impact investment, and facilitating a just transition - and were developed in consultation with various external organisations. They incorporate the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) base code as part of their foundation, of which Bantam Materials UK Ltd. was the first recycled plastic supplier to become a full member. The standards are independently audited by a third-party organisation to ensure compliance and impartiality.

To date, Prevented Ocean Plastic has prevented almost 3 billion plastic bottles from reaching the water. This is equivalent to almost 60,000 tonnes of recycled plastic, providing an alternative to almost 60,000 tonnes of virgin plastic usage - and by 2027 we expect to be achieving 50,000 tonnes per year. And our infrastructure development has created work for over 300 direct employees of Prevented Ocean Plastic across our territories, with another 2000 employed by our recycling partners, which has provided thousands of work-hours for indirect employees and first collectors.