In addition to producing its bottles using only 100% recycled, certified ocean-bound plastic, which supports the growth of global recycling rates and helps clean at-risk coastal environments, ZenWTR is enabling the removal of additional plastic waste from natural environments through its Plastic Negative Certification. This is yet another step the brand is taking to make a positive impact beyond its own footprint and ultimately leave the world in a better place.
"We are constantly working to push the envelope with disruptive sustainability practices," said Lance Collins, founder of ZenWTR. "The use of PPE and other pandemic-related challenges have accelerated the global issue of plastic waste, so it was more important than ever for us to work toward this accomplishment, which helps to support the increase of global recycling efforts [SOURCE: PNAS]. We are excited to take this next step with our amazing partner, PCX, as the first Plastic Negative Beverage brand in the world."
In addition to sourcing ocean-bound plastic from at-risk coastal environments in Indonesia, Thailand and Ecuador, ZenWTR is also supporting local recycling programs through its partnership with PCX in vulnerable areas most-affected by plastic pollution. One such program is the Aling Tindera collections program in the Philippines that incentivizes female market owners to turn their stores into local collection points for post-consumer plastic waste, paying local collectors cash in exchange for recovered plastics which are then sold to local recycling plants. This program increases recycling rates and closes the recycling loop while providing economic opportunities to plastic collectors and store owners alike.
"The plastic crisis is something our organization has worked to reverse by helping businesses to offset their plastic footprint, with investments that directly aid efforts to increase global recycling," said Patrick Baskin, Director of Development at Plastic Credit Exchange. "We are thrilled to grant ZenWTR their Plastic Negative Certification. As the first beverage to receive this accolade, we're beyond impressed by their constant effort to take positive steps forward."
"I've always said that when you become a surfer, it's an obligation to take care of the environment at the same time," said Kelly Slater, ZenWTR investor and surfing world champion. "That's why I have chosen to invest in ZenWTR and support their mission and their achievement as the first Certified Plastic Negative beverage."
As ZenWTR continues to work toward its goal of rescuing 50 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic by 2025, the brand has also received recognition for its accomplishments through a number of noteworthy sustainability awards in the last year: the Business Intelligence group's 2020 Sustainable Company of the Year Award and 2021 BIG Award for Green Product of the Year, plus the 2020 SEAL Environmental Initiative Award.