CooperVision is celebrating a significant milestone with its plastic neutrality initiative preventing the equivalent of more than 100 million plastic bottles from entering the oceans.
The company said the achievement has been accomplished in partnership with eyecare professionals, contact lens wearers, and Plastic Bank, which uses 1kg of plastic to equal 50 bottles.
CooperVision pioneered the plastic neutral model for the contact lens industry in 2021 and has continued to expand the scope of the global initiative. Communities impacted rose from 171 in 2021 to 345 in 2022, according to Plastic Bank’s ‘impact dashboard’.
The contact lens manufacturer funds Plastic Bank’s collection, processing and reuse of general ocean-bound plastic waste that is equal to the weight of the plastic contained in participating products across 27 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Mr Aldo Zucaro, senior director of corporate responsibility at CooperCompanies, said the company was thankful to the eyecare professionals and contact lens wearers who share CooperVision’s sustainability commitment.
“We couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has helped this program become an absolute success. Each plastic neutral contact lens that is prescribed and worn makes a difference,” he said.
“Together, we’re making our oceans, our communities – and our future – better. We already have our sights set on the next 100 million.”
Beyond the positive impact on the environment, CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative benefits collection community members in more than 350 coastal communities who receive bonus payments through Plastic Bank for necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance.
As a leading manufacturer of contact lenses, CooperVision is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint, and its efforts extend beyond plastic neutrality.
The company has a strong track record of sustainable manufacturing and operations. It has developed best-in-class manufacturing processes resulting in award-winning conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and sustainability certifications in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Spain, the UK, and the US.
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