Plastic neutral campaign hits 100m milestone

CooperVision has prevented the equivalent of 100 million plastic bottles entering the seas. In the UK and Ireland alone, the company’s plastic neutral campaign has intercepted more than 23 million bottles.

The company funds the collection, re-use and processing of ocean-bound waste, equal to the plastic contained in participating products, across 27 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.

Aldo Zucaro, senior director, corporate responsibility, CooperCompanies, said: “We couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has helped this programme become an absolute success – the eyecare professionals and wearers across the planet who share CooperVision’s sustainability commitment.

“Each plastic neutral contact lens that is prescribed and worn makes a difference. Together, we’re making our oceans, our communities – and our future – better. We already have our sights set on the next 100 million.”

Country manager UK and Ireland, Doug Bairner, commented: “We’re extremely proud of the contribution eyecare professionals and contact lens wearers have made to this important initiative in the UK and Ireland. It really goes to show that small actions can make a massive difference when we all work together with a common purpose. We’re excited to see what more we can achieve together over the years to come.”

CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative benefits collection community members in more than 350 coastal settlements, who receive bonus payments through Plastic Bank for necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance. Plastic Bank calculates 50 bottles equal 1kg of plastic.