What is Ocean Plastic?

Ocean plastic refers to plastic waste that, in one way or another, ends up in the marine environment. Some of the most common examples of ocean plastic include cigarette filters, plastic bags, food packaging, and lost fishing gear. Most of this plastic originates from land-based activities and is transported to the ocean through rivers and coastal areas, while a smaller share comes from activities at sea.

Marine plastic pollution consists of many different types of plastic, with some of the most common being PET (polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Over time, exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and mechanical wear causes plastic to degrade, reducing its quality and making recycling more challenging.

Ocean plastic has far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, human health, and society as a whole. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP 2021), plastic and microplastic pollution cause severe harm to marine wildlife through entanglement, suffocation, and ingestion. At the same time, microplastics enter the marine food chain and can reach humans through seafood such as fish and shellfish. While the full health implications are not yet fully understood, current research points to significant cause for concern.

The internationaly recognized scientific journal (PNAS) estimates that plastic is now present in approximately 90% of all seabirds, a dramatic increase from just 5% in the 1960s. In addition, the United Nations highlights abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear as a major contributor to mortality among marine species and a particular threat to endangered wildlife.

The vast majority (70–80%) of the plastic found in our oceans originates from land-based activities and is transported into the marine environment through rivers and coastal areas. The remaining 20–30% comes from sea-based sources, including fishing nets, ropes, and plastic debris from abandoned vessels.

According to UNEP’s 2021 report, approximately 67% of all ocean plastic originates from just 20 rivers, most of which are located in Asia. Rivers in the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and China are among the largest contributors, carrying significant amounts of plastic waste into the world’s oceans.

How Big is the Problem?

There is still considerable uncertainty regarding the exact amount of plastic in the world’s oceans, but the scale of the problem is significant. According to the International Union for Conservation (IUCN), plastic accounts for approximately 80% of all marine litter, and at least 14 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. Estimates from UNEP suggest that this figure could rise to between 23 and 27 million tonnes annually by 2030.

Ocean currents cause plastic waste to accumulate in specifik convergence zones where large concentrations of debrif gather. These accumulation zones are found in the North and South Atlanti, the Indian Ocean, and the North and South Pacific. The most well-known example is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast accumulation of debris covering an area estimated to be roughly three times the size of France. 

According to UNEP, the global economic cost of marine plastic pollution were estimated between USD 6 and 19 billion in 2028. These costs are associated wit impact on tourism, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the expenses related to clean-up and waste management efforts. 

What Can We Do?

Adressing plastic pollution in the marine environment is closely linked to the way we produce, use, and manage resources and waste. Part of the solution lies in advancing a circular economy, where resources – including plastic – remain in circulation for as long as possible, preserving the value of materials and products instead of allowing them to become waste destined for landfills or incineration. 

Ocean Plastic Forum aims to contribute to this transition by removing plastic from the marine environment and transforming it into new producst through commercially viable value chains. By bringing together stakeholders with complementary expertise, we help create collaborative solutions and new business opportunities that support both environmental and economic sustainability.