Materials & compliance
What is ocean-bound plastic (OBP)?
Short answer
Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) is plastic waste collected before it reaches the sea: abandoned waste within about 50 km of a coastline, in areas without proper waste collection, where it is likely to end up in the ocean. Recycled into PET, it gives packaging recycled content that also removes waste at risk. OBP claims depend on a certification scheme; ask AVI for the current status of any OBP material.
Part of the guide: PET and rPET: the material guide
- OBP full formOcean-bound plastic
- Collection zoneabout 50 km from the coast
AVI's rPET sheet
Why it matters
Most plastic in the sea comes from land, through rivers and coastlines without collection systems. Collecting it before it gets there, and recycling it, keeps it out of the ocean and gives it value.
How OBP claims are checked
OBP certification schemes audit where the waste is collected and follow it through recycling, so a brand can make a verified claim. AVI's OBP certification was announced in the past and is not current; for recycled content, AVI documents the share in each sheet with EN 15343 traceability and Intertek verification.
Related questions
What is the full form of OBP?
Ocean-bound plastic.
Is ocean-bound plastic the same as ocean plastic?
No. Ocean plastic has already reached the sea; ocean-bound plastic is collected on land before it does.