'Plastics For Change' Makes History As First Recipient of Social+OBP Certification

Plastics For Change (PFC), a renowned global leader dedicated to tackling plastic pollution and improving the livelihoods of informal waste pickers, is pleased to announce its attainment of B Corp certification. Furthermore, it proudly stands as the world’s first organization to be awarded both Social + OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) Certification. The primary obstacle for […]

Plastics For Change (PFC), a renowned global leader dedicated to tackling plastic pollution and improving the livelihoods of informal waste pickers, is pleased to announce its attainment of B Corp certification. Furthermore, it proudly stands as the world’s first organization to be awarded both Social + OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) Certification.

The primary obstacle for brands when shifting away from virgin plastic lies in guaranteeing human rights adherence throughout the supply chain. As per the PEW Charitable Trust, approximately 58% of all plastic collected for recycling worldwide is sourced from the informal waste sector. An estimated 15 million informal waste workers gather these plastics within supply chains that lack regulation and fail to comply with the latest human rights legislation.

Under the new legislation, companies need to develop supply chain strategies to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Green Claims Directive. In order to adhere to these regulations, brands are required to furnish data and undergo third-party verification of their sustainability assertions.

Plastics For Change presents brands with a comprehensive solution, offering verified performance data and third-party validation through its Social + OBP and B Corp certifications. “Our certifications not only demonstrate compliance with legal standards but also provide brands with tangible evidence of their commitment to sustainability,” says Shifrah Jacobs, Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer, at Plastics For Change.

The UN Global Plastic Treaty (GPT) is poised to finalize an agreement with 175 nations by the conclusion of 2024, with a key emphasis on diminishing the use of virgin plastic and fostering sustainable alternatives. Plastics For Change adeptly integrates sustainability into its operations, aligning closely with the treaty’s objectives.

Furthermore, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of a draft law on June 1st, 2023, which mandates extensive scrutiny of suppliers by large corporations to combat child labor and environmental harm, PFC’s certifications showcase its commitment to legal compliance while providing Fair Trade verified recycled plastics with complete transparency.

“Receiving B Corp and Social + OBP certification demonstrates our dedication to creating a responsible and sustainable future. Consumers want more data and third-party verification to back up green claims, we can deliver on that,” says Andrew Almack, CEO of Plastics for Change. “Majority of the brands have no visibility below the mill tiers when it comes to recycled polyester making it difficult for them to comply to the latest regulations, we have developed an ethical sourcing platform for high quality recycled plastic and now comes with the assurance & trust of global certifications, making it easier for brands & mills to adopt our solution” says Kapil Lakhwara, Director of Business Development, Plastics For Change.

Plastics For Change, having obtained B Corp and Social + OBP certifications, leads the way by providing brands with verified performance and accountability. Its certifications streamline the shift from virgin to recycled plastics, underscoring its dedication to social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

The organization works to convert the discarded plastic found in the environment to recycled materials that customers love. It stands as the foremost provider of fair trade-certified recycled plastic, connecting waste collectors with global brands through its advanced technology and small-scale infrastructure, thereby substituting fossil fuel-based plastic. This endeavor primarily aims at improving the livelihoods of the ultra-poor while curbing plastic pollution in the oceans. Since 2016, it has been aiding brands like The Body Shop and L’Oreal in making a social impact through recycling.