80%
SO FAR, WE HAVE DIVERTED 20,479 METRIC TONS OF OCEAN-BOUND PLASTIC — 80% OF THE WAY TO OUR DIVERSION GOAL OF 25,000 METRIC TONS BY THE END OF 2025.
EQUIVALENT TO OVER 2.27 BILLION* WATER BOTTLES
5,544 METRIC TONS DIVERTED IN 2022
8
8 CASE STUDIES FEATURING STORIES OF RADICAL COLLABORATION AS A BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE
1 AWARD WIN SILVER WINNER OF THE ANTHEM AWARDS
JOINS THE CONSORTIUM IN A NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE
CO-FOUNDING CONVENER STEPS INTO AMPLIFICATION PARTNER ROLE
3 NEW MEMBER COMPANIES
In 2017, Lonely Whale and Dell Technologies founded NextWave Plastics with a singular vision: to develop the first global network of socially responsible ocean-bound plastic supply chains. NextWave’s founding members recognized that the plastic waste crisis would not abate without leadership from companies with a genuine drive to rethink the status quo.
Five years on, it is far easier for companies to buy ocean-bound plastic in resins that can be turned into new products. Our consortium, with its bold and vocal leadership across sectors, has played a key role in this transformation. NextWave Plastics is now more than 80 percent of the way toward its initial goal of preventing 25,000 tons of plastic waste from entering the ocean by the end of 2025. Since our founding, we have worked with 17 global brands and paved the way for others to follow suit. NextWave members also collaborate to address key issues such as human rights via the opensource Framework for Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains.
Now, NextWave begins a new era that will build on this exceptional foundation. In June 2023, The Circulate Initiative officially joined forces with Lonely Whale to become the convening entity of NextWave. Lonely Whale will continue its role as the amplifying partner, advancing the consortium’s collective commitment to social responsibility and social impact.
A U.S.-based non-profit, The Circulate Initiative has been working since 2019 to build circular and equitable economies across emerging markets. It delivers cuttingedge research, builds high-impact programs, and drives collective action among businesses, investors, and policymakers. With its strong network of partners and a portfolio of research and programs aligned with NextWave’s mission, The Circulate Initiative is the perfect convener to lead NextWave’s next phase of growth.
NextWave’s pioneering members have helped create a global network of recycled plastics supply chains that didn’t exist before. Much remains to be done. For example, advancing social responsibility and replicating the models that work. What began with the launch of NextWave’s framework will continue as we integrate this seminal work with The Circulate Initiative’s Responsible Sourcing project and seek opportunities to put our principles into practice together.
“With five years under our belt, the story of NextWave Plastics continues to be centered on empowerment, transparency and collaboration,”
— Adrian Grenier, Co-Founder,In the coming years, NextWave Plastics will continue to support its members. Most critically, under The Circulate Initiative’s new leadership, we will facilitate the growth and diversification of ocean-bound plastic use cases. We are seeking out opportunities to include hard-to-recycle plastics like film and also advancing the consortium’s industry leadership by tracking global plastics-related policies relevant to members’ efforts. Further, to give members and their customers the utmost trust in their supply chains, we will provide guidance on the best-in-class ocean-bound plastics certifications and standards across this quickly evolving landscape.
We will also continue to expand the consortium itself, because if the last five years have proven anything, it’s that collaboration among companies of all sizes—from technology to lifestyle to packaging brands and beyond— can achieve eye-opening strides in preventing plastic pollution around the world.
Michael Sadowski Executive Director, The Circulate Initiative Emy Kane Managing Director, Lonely Whale
urthering the commitment to keep plastics out of the ocean, NextWave Plastics members increased their use of ocean-bound plastic in 2022, averting 5,544 metric tons from entering the ocean.
Since its founding in 2017, the consortium has diverted 20,479 metric tons of plastic from the —equivalent to over 2.27 billion water bottles—and given new life to that plastic in over 300 premium products. This impact led to a Silver distinction from the Webby Awards’ inaugural Anthem Award competition, the latest of many honors and recognitions for members’ leadership.
included Humanscale’s Path chair, composed of nearly 10 pounds of recycled ocean plastics; new entries in Dell’s Latitude, Precision, OptiPlex and EcoLoop products, offering an increased use of recycled and renewable materials; and Solgaard’s Shoreline Watch Collection, minimalist timepieces made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. CPI Card Group also announced it had sold over 50 million of its eco-focused payment cards - a milestone moment for its Earth Elements™ portfolio showcasing the momentum that started with the launch of CPI’s Second Wave® payment card in 2019.
These products represent so much: ingenious strategies for reusing plastic while delighting customers; meaningful income for the individuals who collect used plastic; and tons of material that will never make its way to oceans and harm wildlife. But even more, they are part of a culture at NextWave of innovation and collaboration, one that goes beyond the consortium’s members. Anyone can access the Currents of Change: NextWave Plastics Stories of Impact case study series and learn how to implement similar changes.
This past year also saw the addition of new NextWave members, including an important new category: suppliers. These include international consumer technology company Logitech and leading ocean-bound plastic suppliers Prevented Ocean Plastic™ and #tide ocean material.
With the Next Wave Plastics Consortium, there's just so much power in learning from others' experiences. We’re focused on making what we’ve learned, the hard way, to be more accessible to others that are wanting to use ocean-bound plastic.
— Adrian Solgaard, Founder & CEO, SolgaardWe also tested NextWave’s Framework for Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains with The Incubation Network’s1 Leakage and Livelihoods project, and look forward to integrating the framework into The Circulate Initiative’s Responsible Sourcing Initiative, which kicks off in 2023.
Logitech helps all people pursue their passions and is committed to doing so in a way that is good for people and the planet. Logitech designs hardware and software solutions that help businesses thrive and bring people together when working, creating, gaming and streaming. Brands of Logitech include Logitech, Logitech G, ASTRO Gaming, Streamlabs, Blue Microphones and Ultimate Ears. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech at www.logitech. com, the company blog or @Logitech.
Plastic debris constitutes one of the most serious threats to ocean health. We are excited to join the NextWave Plastics consortium and collaborate on ways to divert and reuse plastic waste before it enters ocean-bound waterways. At Logitech, we are committed to continuing to expand our efforts to eliminate single-use plastic and we are increasingly using post-consumer recycled plastic as our preferred material at scale as we design for sustainability across our portfolio.
- Prakash Arunkundrum, Chief Operating Officer, LogitechTide Ocean SA is a Swiss company with offshoots in Southeast Asia that has developed upcycling methods for marine plastics with the Swiss Institute for Materials Engineering and Plastics Processing. In addition to environmental protection, #tide® also creates social added value: from fishermen to retailers, everyone benefits from the values that the company upholds.
The granulates, threads, textiles and filaments made from #tide® ocean material are used in a wide variety of products and have been awarded several times. With its program «Road to 1 Billion Bottles», #tide® has set the goal of collecting the equivalent of one billion plastic bottles by 2025, re- and upcycling them and thus protecting the fauna and flora of the oceans. www.tide.earth
Tackling the issue of plastic pollution can only be done collaboratively. We are putting egos aside by learning from each other and growing as companies and as an organization. This is the culture we need. Our materials are as good and versatile as virgin plastics and building a resilient and efficient eco-system is what will enable us to rapidly scale this market.
- Thomas Schori, Founder & CEO, #tidePrevented Ocean Plastic™ is high quality, certified recycled plastic that has been collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution. Used by supermarkets and brands around the world, it meets regulatory health and safety standards, is traceable back to source and can be identified on-pack through its distinctive triangular logo.
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is an official nominee for the Earthshot Prize 2023, and counts LIDL, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Booths Supermarket as key partners, along with major manufacturing partners such as Groupe Guillin and Berry Global for product offerings in fish, poultry, soft fruits, personal care and home products. Other awards include Lidl GB winning Sustainable Initiative of The Year 2020 at the Retail Industry Awards for its launch of fish and poultry packaging containing Prevented Ocean Plastic™, Dynaplast being awarded first prize in their category for Scapmarée (E.Leclerc)’s first Eco-responsible Packaging Challenge in France for offering trays using Prevented Ocean Plastic™ in March 2021, and Zen WTR receiving the 2020 SEAL Business Sustainability, Environmental Initiative Award, honoring organizations and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment for centuries to come.
We are actively bringing in more industries and brands to join the fight against plastic pollution. Each member is driving innovation across new product types, contributing insights that can be shared across sectors, and helping to scale fresh approaches.
There is talk that at least €160bn will need to be invested in making Europe’s plastics systems more circular and carbon-neutral by 2050 if long-term environmental commitments are to be met. In truth we can’t wait for governments and big corporations to take action when there is so much that can be done today. By working together we can lead the transformation of the recycled materials industry and build a positive, transparent circular economy where everyone is respected. By collecting and preventing ocean plastic there is a huge opportunity for ocean bound plastic to build infrastructure, create jobs on at-risk coastlines and drive up the value of plastic.
— Raffi Schieir, Director, Prevented Ocean Plastic™
In 2018, NextWave member companies committed to divert a minimum of 25,000 metric tons of plastic from entering the ocean by the end of 2025, which aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.1: reducing marine pollution from land-based activities.
As the target date approaches, the consortium has lost no urgency in scaling ocean-bound plastic supply chains. To date, NextWave members have reached over 80% of the goal, collectively diverting 20,479 metric tons of plastic — the equivalent of 2.27 billion single-use plastic water bottles — from entering the waste stream.
Member companies are successfully integrating oceanbound plastic into various product lines. With each product, their teams are establishing best practices for sustainable product development, while also creating significant environmental and social impact.
Solving the ocean plastic challenge requires a number of interventions, including strong market demand for plastic recycled from ocean-bound sources. NextWave has played a key role in creating this demand, which in turn has helped stimulate the supply chain for this material. We are excited to work with NextWave to build on this success and address critical issues such as human rights for the millions of informal workers who are the bedrock of the recycling sector.
— Michael Sadowski, Executive Director, The Circulate Initiative
Innovating new products with ocean-bound plastics requires true partnership between companies and their suppliers. To grow the market for recycled plastic, companies also need a diverse network of vetted suppliers to tap for products. NextWave has established this network and, beginning in 2022, welcomed suppliers as members to bring their expertise to the consortium.
This past year, NextWave welcomed two new suppliers as members: #tide and Prevented Ocean Plastic™. Both are part of a global network that offers a variety of ocean-bound plastic material types and sources. The addition of Prevented Ocean Plastic™ and #tide ocean material enables other NextWave members to learn from these pioneering organizations. Going forward, the consortium will seek new membership with values-aligned suppliers to grow the global network toward greater traceability and more holistic community sustainability.
Expanding access for stable material sources remains a priority for NextWave, and that requires investing in the long-term health of the communities where suppliers operate. Many ocean-bound plastic supply chains rely on informal workers to help collect material in places where it would not otherwise be collected or recycled. Prevented Ocean Plastic™ and #tide ocean material are not only giving ocean-bound plastic new life, they are supporting local people across the coastlines most at risk for ocean plastic pollution with reliable income and creating recycling infrastructures where they are needed most.
Before releasing the framework in 2021, NextWave consulted with a range of stakeholders including First Mile, Global Plastic Action Partnership, and OceanCycle), among other leading organizations. That process, along with review from three individual advisors, resulted in robust guidelines that any company can use to develop its own sustainable supply chain.
CREDIT: #TIDE
The NextWave Plastics Framework for Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains informs this commitment. The member-created framework provides guidelines for brands and other organizations to ensure the social responsibility of all workers through to the point of collection by asking the right questions, enlisting the right partners, and seeking the best tools and information.
The framework was built as a living document that will grow and evolve as we continue to learn more about best practices. Going forward, we will work to develop actionable tools to support implementation of the framework guidelines and directly engage waste picker voices.
Having released the first-ever task chair made with recycled fishing nets in 2018, Humanscale was already a leader in creating functional office products with ocean-bound plastics. The company set a new benchmark in 2022 with the release of its Path chair, which integrates nearly 10 pounds of recycled ocean plastics, including recovered fishing nets and ocean-bound yogurt cups. The introduction of the Path chair expands on the company’s commitment to championing use cases for ocean-bound plastic.
Launched in Spring 2022, the Solgaard Shoreline Watch Collection is made from Shore-Plast™ , Solgaard’s high impact and durable proprietary material made from recycled ocean-bound plastic. Waterresistant up to 165 ft., the Scandinavian designed, minimalist timepieces feature premium Miyota threehand quartz movement and naturally biodegradable silicone straps. As of 2023, Solgaard cleans up 6lbs of plastic from coastal communities with every purchase.
n 2022, Dell more than doubled its use of oceanbound plastics, releasing several products that contain recycled content collected for use in their packaging and products. These include its EcoLoop carrying cases, with 100% of the exterior fabric made from recycled ocean-bound plastic materials; the Latitude 5000 and 9000 laptops; the Precision 3000 and 3260 CFF workstations; and the OptiPlex Micro desktop computer. The company’s commitment also extends to packaging: Molded trays used for select products are made from 50% ocean-bound plastic.
NextWave Plastics is a source of inspiration and practical knowledge in the global effort to reduce plastic waste pollution. Since its inception, the efforts of the consortium have generated 594 unique stories that have drawn more than 2.3 billion impressions.
NextWave and its members have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, Waste360, Fast Company, and many more. Member company experts have also spoken on podcasts and at conferences, all in the effort to bring others along on our journey of learning, innovation, and collaboration.
These highlights complement NextWave Plastics being designated a Silver honoree in the Webby Awards’ first-ever Anthem Awards in 2022. NextWave was selected for recognition from nearly 2,500 entries from 36 countries worldwide.
We have ambitious circular economy goals that 100% of our packaging and half of our product content will be made from sustainable or renewable materials by 2030. NextWave Plastics helps us achieve these goals by developing a supply chain for recycled ocean bound plastics, which we use in packaging and in select carrying cases and technology products.
— Oliver Campbell, Distinguished Engineer, Sustainable Packaging, Dell TechnologiesSupporting members in growing and diversifying their usage of ocean-bound plastics.
Identifying use cases for hard-to-recycle plastics, a significant source of ocean-bound plastic.
Analyzing and providing guidance on ocean-bound plastics certifications and standards so that members have greater trust in their supply chains.
Identifying ways to operationalize the NextWave Plastics’ Framework for Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains, such as through shared due diligence and audits. We will also work to integrate the framework and NextWave members into The Circulate Initiative’s Responsible Sourcing project.
Tracking and evaluating plastics-related policies globally that affect NextWave members and the communities that they serve.
Expanding and diversifying NextWave membership.
NextWave has spent the past five years laying the foundation for a new approach to ocean-bound plastics—one that tackles waste while providing livelihoods in communities around the world. As an organization dedicated to creating change in the world, we also have been open to change within the consortium. Our new structure, with The Circulate Initiative as convener and Lonely Whale as co-founder and amplifying partner, positions us to expand and strengthen the global supply chain for recycled plastics in unprecedented ways.
At IKEA, we aim to empower the many people to live more sustainably every day through our products. However, it’s vital we also empower our teams to solve some of the biggest sustainability challenges facing our oceans. Through cross-industry partnerships and a trusted forum to collaborate, NextWave Plastics helps us realize that ambition.
— Annika Mulder, Responsible Sourcing Manager, IKEA
NextWave is a member-led, collaborative and open-source initiative, convening leading multinational companies to develop the first global network of socially responsible ocean-bound plastic supply chains. Recognizing that one company by itself cannot keep plastic in the economy and out of our ocean, Lonely Whale and Dell Technologies founded NextWave in 2017.
Lonely Whale led the consortium for six strong years, grew its membership to 13 global brands, and defined its objective to prevent 25,000 tons of plastic waste from entering the oceans by 2025 across countries most impacted by plastic pollution. In 2023, The Circulate Initiative joined forces with Lonely Whale as the convening entity of NextWave, alongside Lonely Whale as its amplifying partner, to advance the consortium’s collective commitment to social responsibility and social impact.
Current NextWave members include CPI Card Group, Dell Technologies, Humanscale, HP Inc, IKEA, Interface, Logitech, MillerKnoll, Polyvisions, Prevented Ocean Plastic™ , Solgaard, #tide Ocean Material, Trek Bicycle and Veritiv. NextWave’s work has resulted in awards from the United Nations SDG Action Awards, the Business Intelligence Sustainability Awards, Reuters Responsible Business Awards, Anthem Awards, Fast Company Most Innovative Companies, and more.
We define ocean-bound plastic as plastic that has not yet found its way into the ocean but is classified as “mismanaged waste.” That is, plastic that is not being collected, is not likely to be collected, and is found on the ground within 50km of a major waterway or coastal area. Due to the high rate of fishing gear abandonment, NextWave Plastics includes reclaimed used fishing gear in our definition of oceanbound plastic eligible for use in member companies’ products.
CPI Card Group is a payment technologies company providing a comprehensive range of credit, debit, and prepaid card solutions, complementary digital solutions, and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) instant issuance. With a focus on building personal relationships and earning trust, we help our customers navigate the constantly evolving world of payments, while delivering innovative solutions that spark connections and support their brands. We serve clients across industry, size, and scale through our team of experienced, dedicated employees and our network of high-security production and card services facilities—located in the United States. CPI is committed to exceeding our customers’ expectations, transforming our industry, and enhancing the way people pay every day. Learn more at www.CPIcardgroup.com
Dell Technologies helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the data era. For more information visit www.delltechnologies.com
Humanscale leverages new technology and functional design to transform traditional offices into active, intelligent workspaces. As the leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance ergonomic products, Humanscale improves the health and comfort of work life. Committed to making a net-positive impact on the earth as well as our customers, Humanscale offers awardwinning products designed with a focus on function, simplicity and longevity. For more information, visit www.humanscale.com
HP Inc. is a technology company that believes one thoughtful idea has the power to change the world. Its product and service portfolio of personal systems, printers, and 3D printing solutions helps bring these ideas to life. Visit http://www.hp.com
IKEA offers well-designed, functional and affordable, high-quality home furnishing, produced with care for people and the environment. There are several companies with different owners, working under the IKEA Brand, all sharing the same vision: to create a better everyday life for the many people. IKEA was founded in Sweden in 1943. For more information see about.ikea.com
Interface Inc. is a global commercial flooring company specializing in carbon neutral carpet tile and resilient flooring as well as cradle-to-gate carbon negative carpet tile. We help our customers create high-performance interior spaces that support well-being, productivity, and creativity, as well as the sustainability of the planet. Our mission, Climate Take Back , invites others to join us as we commit to running our business in a way that is restorative to the planet and creates a climate fit for life. For additional information, visit www.interface.com and www.blog.interface.com To learn more about our carbon negative products, visit www.interface.com/carbonnegative
Logitech helps all people pursue their passions and is committed to doing so in a way that is good for people and the planet. Logitech designs hardware and software solutions that help businesses thrive and bring people together when working, creating, gaming and streaming. Brands of Logitech include Logitech, Logitech G, ASTRO Gaming, Streamlabs, Blue Microphones and Ultimate Ears. Founded in 1981, and headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech at www.logitech.com the company blog or @Logitech.
MillerKnoll is a collective of dynamic brands that comes together to design the world we live in. The MillerKnoll brand portfolio includes Herman Miller, Knoll, Colebrook Bosson Saunders, DatesWeiser, Design Within Reach, Edelman Leather, Geiger, HAY, Holly Hunt, KnollTextiles, Maars Living Walls, Maharam, Muuto, NaughtOne, and Spinneybeck|FilzFelt. MillerKnoll is an unparalleled platform that redefines modern for the 21st century by building a more sustainable, equitable and beautiful future for all. Learn more at millerknoll.com
PolyVisions is a premier specialized custom compounder utilizing reactive compounding technology to solve customer material issues. We are uniquely equipped to provide solutions to your thermoplastic material challenges through our true polymer science and formulation expertise. Our highly engineered products can be found in a myriad of applications across a broad range of industries — including PolyVisions DuraPET NLP-OC. Produced using up to 91% Post-Consumer Bottle Grade Certified Ocean Bound PET. Our grafting technique makes the DuraPET NLP-OC a truly recycled content engineering grade material — help you meet your sustainability goals while giving you the engineered properties you need. Learn more at https://www.polyvisions.com/
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is high quality, certified recycled plastic that has been collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution. Used by supermarkets and brands around the world, it meets regulatory health and safety standards, is traceable back to source and can be identified on-pack through its distinctive triangular logo.
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is an official nominee for the Earthshot Prize 2023, and counts LIDL, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Booths Supermarket as key partners, along with major manufacturing partners such as Groupe Guillin and Berry Global for product offerings in fish, poultry, soft fruits, personal care and home products. Other awards include Lidl GB winning Sustainable Initiative of The Year 2020 at the Retail Industry Awards for its launch of fish and poultry packaging containing Prevented Ocean Plastic , Dynaplast being awarded first prize in their category for Scapmarée (E.Leclerc)’s first Eco-responsible Packaging Challenge in France for offering trays using Prevented Ocean Plastic™ in March 2021, and Zen WTR receiving the 2020 SEAL Business Sustainability, Environmental Initiative Award, honoring organizations and leaders across the globe that make measurable contributions to sustainability and develop innovative initiatives that will positively impact the environment for centuries to come.
A design driven brand using business as a force for good, Solgaard’s premium travel and lifestyle goods are crafted through sustainable innovation. Pioneers in using ocean-bound plastic in its fabrics (Shore- Tex®) and travel gear (including The Carry-On Closet®), Solgaard cleans up 6lbs of plastic from coastal communities with every purchase. Relentless in his pursuit to create an economic engine for good, Norwegian-Canadian entrepreneur, Adrian Solgaard, founded the brand in 2016 to optimize life on the go for global citizens. With over 1.4 million pounds of coastal plastic collection underway as of April 2023, Solgaard is working to collect an additional 10 million pounds of plastic via its current project pipeline. Solgaard is a certified B Corporation. Learn more at www.solgaard.co
Tide Ocean SA is a Swiss company with offshoots in Southeast Asia that has developed upcycling methods for marine plastics with the Swiss Institute for Materials Engineering and Plastics Processing. In addition to environmental protection, #tide® also creates social added value: from fishermen to retailers, everyone benefits from the values that the company upholds.
The granulates, threads, textiles and filaments made from #tide® ocean material are used in a wide variety of products and have been awarded several times. With its program «Road to Billion Bottles», #tide® has set the goal of collecting the equivalent of one billion plastic bottles by 2025, re- and upcycling them and thus protecting the fauna and flora of the oceans. www.tide.earth
Headquartered in Waterloo, Wisconsin, Trek Bicycle Corporation is a global leader in bicycle design and manufacturing. From the original hand-built steel touring frames introduced in 1976 to the revolutionary OCLV Carbon first introduced in 1992, Trek’s passion for innovation, quality, and performance leads the industry with next-generation thinking and cutting-edge technology. Learn more at www.trekbikes.com
Veritiv Corporation (NYSEL VRTV), headquartered in Atlanta and a Fortune 500® company, is a full-service provider of packaging, JanSan and hygiene products, services and solutions. Additionally, Veritiv provides print and publishing products, and logistics and supply chain management solutions. Serving customers in a wide range of industries both in North America and globally, Veritiv has distribution centers throughout the U.S. and Mexico, and team members around the world helping shape the success of its customers.
The Circulate Initiative is a non-profit organization that works to solve the plastic pollution challenge and build circular and equitable economies across emerging markets. It delivers cutting-edge research, builds high-impact programs, and drives collective action with industry stakeholders including businesses, investors, and policymakers.
For more information, please visit: https://www.thecirculateinitiative.org/.
Lonely Whale is an award-winning non-profit whose mission ensures plastic waste does not find its way into the ocean. Founded in 2015 by Adrian Grenier and Lucy Sumner, Lonely Whale is powered by a mass community of people working together to create a healthy planet - our definition of a utopian future.
Lonely Whale has spearheaded impactful global movements resulting in: the elimination of single-use plastics, including straws and water bottles; more than 300 products launched that are made with ocean-bound plastics through the only global network of ocean-bound plastic suppliers; and youth from 90 countries accelerating a dawn of new leadership - youth leadership - on ocean health. Lonely Whale’s latest venture is their partnership with TOM FORD International for the launch of the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize, addressing the 180 billion single-use, thin-film polybags used by the fashion industry every year.
To learn more and support, visit www.lonelywhale.org or follow @LonelyWhale.