Friday 10 June 2022

Burt’s Bees partners with rePurpose to clamp down on ocean plastic pollution

Burt’s Bees partners with rePurpose to clamp down on ocean plastic pollution

Burt's Bees has teamed up with rePurpose Global to finance recycling infrastructure aiming to clamp down on plastic waste from flowing into the ocean.

The initiative, which will support frontline waste enterprises in India and Ghana, is expected to eliminate more than 1.5 million pounds of plastic waste by the end of 2024.

According to statistics from WasteAid, at least one billion people living within 100 kilometres of coastlines globally lack equitable access to waste collection services.

The partnership will oversee the development and operations of new waste infrastructure in a tailored approach for two coastal regions.

In Kerala, India, it will enable recycling facility upgrades and door-to-door waste collection services for around 2,000 households and in Accra, Ghana, the project will partner with buyback centres in the region and expand local collection networks.

Together, the projects are expected to improve health and safety, working conditions and wellbeing standards for 350 local waste workers, the majority are whom are female, as well as create additional income streams from low-value waste materials.

The initiative is a key part of Burt's Bees commitment to achieve net zero plastic to nature by 2025.

the brand has committed to a 50% reduction in virgin packaging materials by 2030 and aims to use 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025.

Matt Kopac, Associate Director of Sustainability at Burt's Bees said: “Plastic waste is a huge challenge for our industry and the planet and it demands true collaboration to tackle it.

“Not only does this partnership stop plastic from leaking into the ocean but it also creates crucial opportunities to economically empower waste workers and their communities. We are very proud to join forces with rePurpose Global and support their thoughtful approach to tackling plastic pollution.”

To date, around 230 businesses across 26 countries are working with rePurpose Global to measure, reduce and balance their plastic footprint, resulting in 14 million pounds of plastic recovered from nature every year.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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