This data is live from Alchemy

Our proprietary blockchain-secured platform

Data last verified: Monday, 02/05/2024

1Ocean-bound plastic

Plastic Bank operates under the global standard defined by Jenna Jambeck. Ocean-bound plastic is defined 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 (formally) collected, is not likely to be collected, and is found within 50km of an ocean-bound waterway or coastal area.

2Community Members

Individuals within a recycling community who collect plastic and exchange it at a Plastic Bank collection branch for secure income and life-improving benefits.

3Equivalent Bottles Stopped

The amount of ocean-bound plastic collected and recycled in our recycling communities converted into bottles. Conversion rate is 50 bottles per kg (the average weight of a 500mL bottle is ~20g)

4Recycling Communities

Community of plastic collectors living within 50 kilometres of ocean-bound waterways involved in plastic collection and its exchange at Plastic Bank collection points.

Alchemy™

Alchemy is the blockchain platform that powers the Plastic Bank app. It enables fully traceable recycling processes, secures income for recycling community members and tailors impact reports for our stewards.

Plastic Bank collaborates with IDOS, cirplus, and waste4change as part of a PREVENT Waste Alliance pilot project

This project aims to improve the Indonesian waste management system by enhancing the amount of plastic waste segregated, collected and recycled and increasing the uptake of recyclates in plastic production. The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) has developed awareness measures to promote behaviour change with respect to waste segregation at source. Waste4Change establishes a segregated collection system for plastic waste – both at household level as well as through the local waste banks.  Plastic Bank’s blockchain technology and app ensures secure and fair payment of waste collectors and increases the volume of recycled plastic by incentivising waste recovery. The recycled plastics are then offered for global sales to plastic converters and brand owners via the cirplus digital marketplace. Plastic Banks’ blockchain app and cirplus’ marketplace provide easy access to source ethically recycled material, while helping to raise living standards in Indonesia. 

Tackling the plastic crisis through technology

As part of the PREVENT Waste Alliance pilot project, Plastic Bank is providing the on-the-ground technology for plastic waste collection & tracing. cirplus is helping to bridge the gap between the local and global markets. Plastic recyclates made with Social Plastic® are now available on the cirplus global marketplace as ‘PREVENTed Plastic Waste’. 

This project is funded by the PREVENT Waste Alliance, an initiative of the German Federal Government.
More information: https://prevent-waste.net/en/