The Avery Dennison Foundation Helps Clean Up the Ocean

“We take our commitment to environmental sustainability seriously, and our support of The Ocean Cleanup is the latest example of that."

Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is one of the biggest threats to our environment and impacts more than 600 marine species. Discarded trash, mostly comprised of single-use plastic, accumulates in five ocean garbage patches, the largest of which is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch located between Hawaii and California.

Recognizing an opportunity to support a potential solution to this problem and aligning with Avery Dennison’s 2025 sustainability goals, the Avery Dennison Foundation recently made a $200,000 grant to The Ocean Cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization on a mission to use innovative technologies to clean up half the Great Pacific Garbage Patch within five years.

“We take our commitment to environmental sustainability seriously, and our support of The Ocean Cleanup is the latest example of that,” said Alicia Procello, vice president, CSR, and president of the the Avery Dennison Foundation. “Years of research and dedication have enabled The Ocean Cleanup to innovate a solution that’s the first of its kind, and we are thrilled to support them in this endeavor.”

The Ocean Cleanup’s system consists of a 600-meter-long floating device that relies on natural oceanic currents to catch and concentrate plastic pollution. Once concentrated, plastic can be collected by the device and brought back to land where it will be recycled into sustainable products. It’s a

revolutionary approach, and the result of more than five years of research and testing that will culminate in a launch from Alameda, California on September 8, 2018. From there, it will take approximately two weeks for the system to reach the Great Pacific Garbage Patch where the cleanup will begin.

“Exploring The Ocean Cleanup system first-hand was an eye-opening experience, “said Noelle Ito, CSR and Avery Dennison Foundation specialist, regarding a recent site visit to The Ocean Cleanup’s Alameda shipyard. “I quickly realized that we were witnessing years of technological and engineering innovation. The results were nothing short of inspiring.”

“The Avery Dennison Foundation’s grant to The Ocean Cleanup demonstrates our support for projects that conserve the natural environment and contribute to the social, environmental and economic well-being of communities,” said Janet Sandoval, director, corporate social responsibility and the Avery Dennison Foundation. “Together, we are revolutionizing the future of ocean sustainability with the potential for global impact.”

To learn more about The Ocean Cleanup, visit www.theoceancleanup.com.

Learn more about the Avery Dennison Foundation and its commitment to education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.

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