Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Image copyright IPRC Image caption Sarah-Jeanne Royer with some of the plastic she's studied

It's your classic movie eureka moment.

Young researcher Sarah-Jeanne Royer set out to measure methane gas coming from biological activity in sea water.

Instead, in a "happy accident" she found that the plastic bottles holding the samples were a bigger source of this powerful warming molecule than the bugs in the water.

Now she's published further details in a study into the potential warming impact of gases seeping from plastic waste.

"It was a totally unexpected discovery," Dr Royer told BBC News.

"Some members of the lab were experimenting with high density polyethylene bottles looking at methane biological production, but the concentrations were much higher than expected."

"So we realised that the emissions were not just coming from the biology but from the bottle that we were using for the experiment."

After graduating from university in Barcelona, Dr Royer found herself in Hawaii, leading teams of volunteers who were helping to remove plastic from beaches at weekends, while working on the chemistry of the substance during the week.

Image copyright OLIVIER POIRION

Now she's published her report after spending a year and a half testing different types of plastic in and out of seawater to see if they emit methane and ethylene, which both contribute to the greenhouse effect.

Dr Royer found that the most widely-used plastic, the stuff used to make shopping bags, is the one that produces the greatest amount of these warming gases.

At the end of the study, after 212 days in the sun, this plastic emitted 176 times more methane than at the start of the experiment.

Ironically, when plastics were exposed to air the amount of methane emitted was double the level from sea water.

What's causing these emissions?

In short it's the Sun. Solar radiation acts on the surface of plastic waste. As it breaks down, becomes cracked and pitted, these defects increase the surface area of plastic available to sunlight which accelerates gas production. Even in the dark, the gas continues to seep out.

"I'm in the field every week," said Dr Royer.

Image copyright Sarah-Jeanne Royer Image caption Plastic waste washed up in a Hawaiian bay

"When I touch a piece of plastic, if there's a little impact on that plastic it's degrading into hundred of pieces pretty much as we look at it."

Is this a big deal?

Up to now, the link between plastics and climate change was mainly focussed on the use of fossil fuels like oil and gas in the manufacture of plastic items.

It's also known that when plastics degrade in the environment, they release CO2. Experts have welcomed this report as it is the first time that anyone has tried to quantify other warming gases emerging from plastic waste.

"Low density polyethylene (LDPE) does emit ethylene, methane and propane, even at low temperatures that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions," Prof Ashwani Gupta from the University of Maryland, who was not involved in the study, told BBC News.

"It is nice to see some quantified emissions on greenhouse gases for the selected polyethylene. The results clearly show variation in gas emission levels among the different polyethylene sources."

Image copyright Sarah-Jeann Royer

While the amounts of methane and ethylene being produced right now from plastics are very small, Dr Royer is concerned about the future and the fact that as plastic breaks down, more surface area is exposed, increasing the amount of the gases that drifts into the atmosphere.

"If we look at all the plastic produced since 1950, it's pretty much all still on the planet, and it's just degrading into smaller and smaller pieces, so we know the industry is booming and in the next 30 years and more and more greenhouse gases will be produced - that's a big thing."

What have the plastics industry said?

Nothing much at this point. According to Dr Royer, when she approached companies in the field, they weren't keen on talking about it.

"I told them I was a scientist and I was trying to understand the chemistry of the plastic," she said.

"I was trying to order some plastics of different densities and I was asking questions about the process and they all said we don't want to have contact with you anymore.

"I think the plastic industry absolutely knows, and they don't want this to be shared with the world."

How have other scientists reacted?

"Research on plastic waste is revealing it to be a disturbing pandora's box," said Dr Montserrat Filella, a chemist at the University of Geneva.

"As research expands our knowledge, we are realising that plastics can be insidious in many other ways. For instance, as vectors of 'hidden pollutants', such as heavy metals present in them or, now, as a source of greenhouse gases. And, in all cases, throughout the entire lifetime of the plastic."

Image copyright Sarah-Jeanne Royer Image caption Plastic debris from the tsunami in Japan is still causing problems in Hawaii

Others agreed that further research was urgently needed.

"No one knows how much methane and ethylene are being released from these sources. We don't know if it is adding significant amounts of greenhouse gases to our atmosphere," said Dr Jennifer Lynch, a marine environment expert from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (Nist).

"It's another consequence of the use of plastics and it needs further examination."</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!</s>Ever since Blue Planet 2, ocean plastic pollution has become one of the most talked about topics. And for a good reason: According to Greenpeace, 12.7 tonnes of plastic end up in our ocean every year, harming marine life and humans alike. Experts forecast that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea.

As packaging design specialists, CuCo are aware of the impact that plastic has on our oceans and we encourage our clients to move away from plastic packaging whenever possible.

Brands and large organisations in particular can heavily influence the reduction of plastic waste by raising awareness of the issue and cutting down their own waste. And some brands have come up with some great ideas to save the ocean and encourage change:

To raise awareness of the ocean plastic issue, Fairy launched its washing-up liquid in a bottle made entirely from post-consumer recycled plastic, including 10% ocean plastic. The project aims to educate consumers about ocean plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.

Another giant brand who have integrated sustainability into their marketing plan is Adidas. Last year, Adidas launched three new trainer editions – all made from ocean plastic! Each pair is made from eleven reused plastic bottles and the sportswear brand has managed to sell more than one million of these trainers in 2017. This year, Adidas also launched a yoga collection made from recycled ocean plastic. The project emphasises on the importance of recycling and the negative consequences of ocean plastic pollution and is a great step in the right direction!

We all love a cold can of beer at the beach on a hot summer day. However, the plastic six-pack rings that hold the cans together are incredibly dangerous for marine wildlife if they end up in the ocean. According to official statistics, millions of animals have died as a direct result of plastic six-packs after becoming trapped in the rings, resulting in strangulation and starvation.

Aware of this issue, a small brewery in Florida released an edible and biodegradable six-pack holder in order to save marine life and cut down the amount of plastic waste in the ocean. The 100% plastic free six-pack ring is made from beer byproducts and is safe for animals to eat – what a great innovation!

In May last year, pictures of a “dead whale” stranded on a beach in the Philippines with a mouth full of plastic waste went viral and shocked people all over the world. However, what people had mistaken for a real whale was actually part of Greenpeace’s plastic waste campaign. In collaboration with a Philippine-based creative agency, Greenpeace built a giant ‘whale’ made of plastic waste found in the ocean to raise awareness of the fatal effects of dumping rubbish. The campaign was a wake-up call for many consumers and has won multiple awards. Well done Greenpeace!

5. Surfrider Foundation – What goes in the Ocean goes in you

Through the use of powerful imagery, the Surfrider Foundation is working hard to encourage people to reduce their plastic waste with the message that ocean plastic not only harms marine wildlife but also affects human health. Plastic in the ocean is easily mistaken for food by marine animals and more than a quarter of fish were reported to have ingested plastic in 2008 – so what was once our packaging, may be soon our meal! The ad was part of Surfrider’s rise above plastic program to increase awareness of how everyone can reduce their plastic footprint. A highly effective campaign!

If you’re looking for sustainable packaging solutions for your product or brand, contact CuCo today on 01202 911959 or email us at hello@cucocreative.co.uk – We’d love to help!
A study is published suggesting that loose plastic objects in the ocean release more methane than previously thought.