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’s Partnership with Alcon

Plastic Bank collaborates with Alcon to stop ocean plastic while improving lives

This partnership represents another step in Alcon’s commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of its products and operations. And while offsetting initiatives do not represent the only sustainability solution for the vision care industry, there is widespread agreement that they offer an effective way for manufacturers to improve their plastic impact immediately, while investigating long-term solutions. This initiative, combined with the proper disposal of contact lenses and eye drop containers by consumers, are part of the solution to reduce plastic impact.

Page updated manually Sept. 2023

For Clear Vision & Clean Oceans 

As part of its commitment to helping build a better, brighter, more sustainable future for our planet and its people, Alcon is partnering with Plastic Bank to offset every ton of plastic used to make Alcon PRECISION1®, DAILIES TOTAL1® and TOTAL30® contact lenses and their blisters across more than 90 countries through the removal of a ton of ocean-bound plastic waste from vulnerable coastal communities. This partnership also now applies to the Systane® Eye Drops portfolio across more than 30 countries . In addition, Alcon is offsetting the plastic used for its preloaded intraocular lens delivery systems used during cataract surgery around the world. For every ton of plastic traditionally used in preloaded intraocular lenses, Ultrasert® and AutonoMe®, it will be offset by the removal of a ton of ocean-bound plastic waste. To learn more about Alcon’s portfolio of brands and services, please visit Alcon’s official site

Balangan Beach, Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 2021
Plastic Bank collection members at Balangan Beach, Indonesia
Balangan Beach, Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 2021