14 DAY TRIAL // Method and Envision Plastics, one of the largest recyclers in the U.S., have recently unveiled the latest innovation in sustainable packaging: a bottle made out of plastic collected from the North Pacific Gyre.
Dubbed Ocean PCR, the new plastic material, 100% post-consumer polyethylene, 25% of which is plastic collected from the Gyre, the company said.
Also referred to as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the gyre is an area the size of Texas in the North Pacific in which an estimated six kilos of plastic for every kilo of natural plankton, along with other slow degrading garbage, floats waiting to be collected.
“Every bottle you buy will take 10 grams of plastic out of the ocean,” said Method co-founder Adam Lowry, encouraging consumers to support the process.
However, despite the fact that many would think Method’s aim is to clean up the North Pacific Gyre, things are not always as they look. In fact, Method intends to raise awareness of plastic pollution and set an example for new green businesses.
"By transforming the trash in our oceans into usable products that are safe for our children, our environment and our future, Method has proven that green business can grow our economy and create jobs," stated EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.
According to its creators, the Ocean PCR is the same quality as virgin HDPE plastic. The recycling process allows the plastic to be cleaned, unwanted contaminants removed completely, blended, and then remanufactured into high quality plastic.
"We've created a usable bottle from ocean plastic and upcycled it into something useful that can be recycled again and again," added Lowry. "Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness that the real solution to plastic pollution lies in reusing and recycling the plastic that's already on the planet."
Method will reportedly launch the new bottle with a major retailer early next year. The product will join the company’s other bottles, all currently made from 100% post-consumer recycled-content plastic.