Potential, Shoreline, Waterways, and Fishing Material: The 4 Kinds of Ocean Bound Plastic
Muhammad Imam Taufik • Feb 28, 2024
Welcome back,
Qualizer! It's a pleasure to have you join us once more as we dive into the latest developments in sustainable certification practices. You still remember about the ocean bound plastic, right? It’s a critical environmental issue that demands our attention. In our previous
article, we explored what is and isn’t included as ocean bound plastic. But, the story doesn’t end there! Now, let’s delve into the four distinct categories of ocean bound plastic, each with its unique definition.
Potential OBP
This refers to mismanaged plastic waste that is located within a 50 kilometer radius of the coastline. The proximity to the coast increases the likelihood that this waste will eventually make its way into the ocean, particularly in areas with inadequate waste management systems.
Shoreline OBP
This refers to mismanaged plastic waste found within 200 meters of shores. This waste is already very close to the ocean and can easily be swept in by tides, winds, or storm surges.
The immediate impact on coastal ecosystems is significant, as it directly harms marine animals and contributes to microplastic pollution.
Waterways OBP
This term is used to describe mismanaged plastic waste found within 200 meters of rivers and other waterways. These waterways often serve as direct paths for plastic waste to travel from inland areas into waterways, eventually reaching the ocean and contaminating the entire water column.
Fishing Material
This category includes used fishing gear and plastic bycatch. Fishing gear, such as nets and lines, often contains plastic and can be a significant source of ocean plastic pollution when it is lost or discarded at sea. Plastic bycatch refers to plastic debris that is unintentionally caught while fishing for marine life.
The entanglement, ingestion, and microplastic pollution of marine animals have far-reaching consequences, significantly impacting their ecosystems.
Understanding the distinct categories of ocean bound plastic is the first step towards implementing targeted interventions for cleaner and healthier oceans. This knowledge allows us to focus our efforts on the areas where they are most needed. This is where the OBP Certification Program plays a crucial role. It offers a framework for responsible sourcing and handling of ocean bound plastic, promoting transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. This not only contributes to safeguarding marine environments for future generations but also raises public awareness about the issue.
Should you find the OBP Certification Program intriguing and wish to learn more, don’t hesitate to visit our website or contact us. Our team is eager to help you navigate through the process. See you, Qualizer!
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Plastic pollution is not just an eyesore – it's a ticking time bomb for our marine ecosystems. Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) poses a particularly severe threat. The key to tackling this lies in understanding two distinct categories of OBP: commercially recyclable and non-commercially recyclable. Knowing this difference will guide our strategies to mitigate the harm caused by OBP before it's too late. Commercially Recyclable OBP: A Path to New Products Commercially recyclable OBP can be sold into existing recycling systems. The key factor is that the price obtained for the recycled material is enough to cover the costs of collecting the OBP in the first place. This economic viability depends heavily on local conditions. The local availability of recycling technology, transportation distances, the density of OBP at a collection site, and the presence of buyers (off-takers) all play a role in whether OBP can be successfully integrated into the recycling value chain. Non-Commercially Recyclable OBP: The Challenge Non-commercially recyclable OBP presents a more difficult problem. This type of OBP cannot be sold to recyclers for several potential reasons: Economics : The sale price may be far less than the cost of collection, making it financially unsustainable. Technical limitations : Current recycling technology may not be suitable for certain types of OBP. Contamination : The OBP may be too heavily degraded or mixed with other materials, making recycling difficult or impossible. Material Composition : Certain plastics are inherently non-recyclable based on their chemical structure. These types of OBP are sometimes referred to as "no value," "negative value," or "low value" materials, as their cleanup and disposal create a cost burden rather than an income source. It's essential to remember that what makes OBP commercially recyclable or not is highly dependent on the local situation. A specific type of plastic might be recyclable in a region with advanced infrastructure and robust recycling markets, yet remain non-commercially recyclable in an area with limited resources and less demand for recycled materials. Addressing the OBP crisis requires a two-pronged approach. For commercially recyclable OBP, expanding collection and recycling infrastructure is crucial. This will turn more waste into a resource, creating value within a circular economy. For non-commercially recyclable OBP, solutions are more complex. We need investment in new recycling technologies, research into alternative disposal methods, and policies focused on preventing this type of plastic from entering the environment in the first place. Understanding the difference between commercially and non-commercially recyclable OBP is a critical step in tackling ocean plastic pollution. It helps guide our efforts toward the most effective solutions in combating this persistent environmental problem. Learn about the OBP Certification Program and how it can benefit your business – visit our website or get in touch with us!
Kartini Day, celebrated annually on April 21st in Indonesia, honors Raden Adjeng Kartini, a pioneer of women's rights and education in the early 20th century. Her unwavering belief in the potential of women to shape society continues to inspire progress towards gender equality. As we reflect on Kartini's legacy, it's vital to recognize the ways women are leading the way in modern advancements – including the field of sustainability certification. Breaking Down Barriers Auditor role in sustainability certification is a critical position that examines an organization's impact on economic, social, and environmental factors – the three pillars of sustainability. Auditors assess how businesses manage resources, their effect on environment and communities, ethical supply chain practices, and adherence to sustainable standards. However, women remain underrepresented. QSI actively works to dismantle this barrier by providing women with the same opportunities and resources as their male counterparts. Leading the Charge in Gender Equality At QSI, we recognize that the path to a sustainable future is paved through equality. We firmly believe that women and men should have the same opportunities to shape a responsible and ethical world, which is why we are actively fostering a workplace where female sustainability auditors thrive. We actively promote a culture that empowers women auditors in several ways: Fair Hiring Practices QSI actively works to dismantle this barrier by implementing blind recruiting practices. This means resumes are reviewed without identifying information like gender, ensuring the selection process focuses solely on qualifications and experience. This approach allows talented women to be judged on their merits, increasing their chances of securing exciting opportunities as an Auditor. Equal Opportunity We ensure women have equal access to challenging assignments and leadership positions. Performance and qualifications are the sole criteria for advancement. Fostering Collaboration We cultivate an inclusive environment where women feel comfortable voicing their ideas and contributing to critical decision-making processes. Flexible Arrangements Support women in balancing work and family responsibilities by offering flexible work options and family-friendly policies. Benefits of a Gender-Balanced Workforce A workforce that reflects the diversity of the world brings a multitude of benefits. Here's how a gender-balanced team of Auditors strengthens QSI: Enhanced Decision-Making Diverse perspectives lead to richer discussions and a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. Improved Client Service A diverse team of auditors can better relate to a wider range of clients, fostering stronger partnerships and a deeper understanding of their unique challenges and needs. Innovation and Creativity When diverse minds collaborate, innovation thrives. A gender-balanced team can spark new ideas and approaches, leading to a more dynamic and effective organization. Empowering women auditors is not just a matter of fairness; it's a strategic imperative for driving positive change in the sustainability landscape. By harnessing the talents and perspectives of women, we can strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of sustainability certification processes, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and equitable world for generations to come. Let us continue to champion equality, diversity, and inclusion, not just on Kartini's Day, but every day, as we work towards a brighter and more sustainable future for all!
The image of a majestic whale entangled in plastic debris, or a sea turtle mistaking a plastic bag for a jellyfish, is a stark reminder of the growing crisis of ocean plastic pollution. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, causing devastating consequences for marine ecosystems and ultimately, for ourselves. The fight against this plastic tide requires a multi-pronged approach, and at the very forefront stands a diverse group of individuals and organizations: the Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) collectors. These dedicated entities play a critical role in intercepting plastic waste before it reaches our precious oceans, but their roles and responsibilities are as varied as the landscapes they operate in. By understanding this intricate network of collectors, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex yet crucial efforts underway to protect our oceans. Collection Organization Lead the charge in OBP collection, responsible for organizing the systematic retrieval of OBP. These entities, whether companies or other organizations, stick to strict standards outlined in the OBP Collection Organization Standard (OBP-COL-STD). Small Collector While Collection Organizations handle large-scale collection, there's another important group: Small Collectors. These legal entities collect OBP and sell it to certified organizations under the OBP Collection Organization Standard (OBP-COL-STD) or the OBP Neutralization Services Provider Standard (OBP-NEU-STD). Independent Collector On a smaller scale are Independent Collectors, typically individuals or very small groups operating independently. Despite their modest size, Independent Collectors play a crucial role by collecting and selling smaller quantities of OBP, typically below 200 kilograms per day on a monthly average. Supplier Group These are a collaborative effort specifically designed for Small Collectors, which linked contractually to a certified organization, allow smaller entities to pool their resources and expertise. This collaborative approach makes OBP collection more accessible and efficient for smaller organizations, while ensuring adherence to OBP standards. Central to the effectiveness of these collection mechanisms are the standards set forth by the OBP Certification Program. By adhering to guidelines outlined in documents such as the OBP Collection Organization Standard (OBP-COL-STD), collectors ensure that their activities are not only effective but also environmentally responsible. These standards provide a framework for accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement within its ecosystem. If you're interested in learning more about how your organization can get involved in the OBP Certification Program, please visit our website or give us a call . See you, Qualizer !