World companies to found cross-industry group for reduction of sea and ocean waste

Dell, General Motors, Microsoft, Trek Bicycle, Interface, Van de Sant, Humanscale, Bureo and Herman Miller will form of a collaborative and open-source initiative called NextWave, convening leading technology and consumer-focused companies to develop the first-ever commercial-scale ocean-bound plastics supply chain. Additional supporting members of the group include UN Environment, 5Gyres Institute, Zoological Society of London and New Materials Institute, Dell announced.

Research shows that an estimated 8 million tonnes of plastic waste entered the ocean in 2010, and if trends do not change more than 150 million tonnes of plastic waste will have entered the ocean by 2025. This poses not only a threat to vital ocean ecosystems including critical fish nurseries and coral reefs, but also adversely affects the health and longevity of marine species and humans.

NextWave members will share responsibility in development of a sustainable model that reduces ocean-bound plastic pollution at scale, while creating an economic and social benefit for multiple stakeholders. In addition, the group will ensure that the resulting supply chain has the infrastructure and support necessary to meet demand as well as align with globally approved social and environmental standards.

NextWave anticipates that together they will divert more than 3 million pounds of plastics from entering the ocean within five years, the equivalent to keeping 66 million water bottles from washing out to sea. Importantly, member companies have agreed to also reduce plastic usage across their operations and supply chains. While working to stop the flow of ocean-bound plastic it is critical to ensure each company assesses its own plastic footprint and eliminate and/or significantly reduce its own use of single-use and non-recyclable plastics.

– Collaboration is critical to addressing the issue of ocean plastic at scale. I’m thrilled to partner closely with leaders across industries to advance our collective interest in creating solutions that create value from waste – said Kevin Brown, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Dell.

The Lonely Whale, an NGO dedicated to bringing people closer to the world’s ocean through K-12 education, consumer campaigns and market-based solutions will convene the group. NextWave will actively engage scientists and advocates working with marine litter and ocean health to advise on a sustainable model that supports the needs of coastal communities and environments. The initiative is supported by UN Environment, with private sector partners invited to sign up to the Clean Seas campaign as part of their commitment, says the Dell press release.

Dell Inc. SAD

General Motors Corporation

Microsoft Corporation Washington

Trek Bicycle

Interface

Van de Sant

Humanscale

Bureo

Herman Miller

NextWave

UN Environment

5Gyres Institute

Zoological Society of London

New Materials Institute

The Lonely Whale

ocean pollution

ocean

oceans

water ecosystem

environmental standards

Kevin Brown

ecology