Marine Debris Program – Indonesia
Targeted recovery and prevention
Ocean Material continues to organise targeted actions through the Marine Debris Program, particularly where local ecosystems are under pressure. Interested customers and partners can participate in practical collection and recovery efforts. Earlier actions in Indonesia connected business support with coastal communities collecting and processing plastic waste and helped shape our approach today.
The programme’s earlier Plastic-Credit model
Ocean Material developed its own Plastic-Credit standard to support the programme, using this model until 2023. This was our own framework, not an independent external certification. The certificate shown below belongs to that earlier model; it is not a current credit offer or proof of independent certification.
Programme locations included Banda Island, South Lombok and the Ciliwung River. Local teams worked on collecting plastic from rivers and coastal areas and processing it into new material applications.
What we learned
Recovering plastic already in the environment can protect affected places, but ocean and river clean-ups are often expensive and address pollution after it has happened. Compensation does not replace reducing the causes of plastic leakage.
In Ocean Material’s assessment today, Plastic Credits are not a sufficiently effective tool for curbing plastic pollution. We no longer pursue this approach. This is the evolution of our own programme and position, not a blanket judgement of other organisations.
Our focus today
Our priority is prevention: keeping plastic out of the environment through functioning collection and recycling systems, material circularity and education. We help connect recovered resources with material applications and support practical learning about waste prevention and reuse.
Through the Marine Debris Program, we continue to organise targeted clean-ups, particularly where acute pollution threatens ecosystems. Customers and partners can participate in these actions, which complement prevention rather than replace it.
Contact Ocean Material to discuss prevention, material recovery and education partnerships.
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