ABOUT WASTE FREE OCEANS
Our mission is to collect and transform ocean plastic
WFO is a non-profit organization that mobilizes the fisheries sector, the plastics industry, policy makers, other stakeholders and the wider public, to reduce the impact of marine litter on our ocean environment and natural resources. We partner with recyclers, converters and brands to make optimal use of available resources and raise awareness of plastic pollution.
WHAT WE DO
Cleanups on beaches with volunteers
Cleanups rivers and oceans with the trash-catching trawl
Raising awareness about plastic waste in schools
Creating new recycled products
We acquired innovative Ocean Trash Catchers which can remove 2 to 8 tonnes of floating marine debris. They offer a locally implementable solution to marine litter: attaching nets to fishing boats or placing them statically on a river.
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We collaborate with companies to create recycled products from collected material. Connecting brands to our trusted network of plastic recyclers and converters, we build the bridge in transforming marine litter into new products.
By tying close ties to European policy makers, we lobby stakeholders at all levels to raise awareness on the issue of marine litter and implement projects to promote behaviour change.
OUR VISION
A MISSION FOR CLEANER OCEANS
To partner with business and organisations to collect plastic in our oceans and transform collected plastic to create items that tell a meaningful story.
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CONNECTED TO THE UN GLOBAL GOALS
Waste Free Oceans is committed to protecting marine ecosystems and reducing ocean pollution, directly supporting SDG 14. By transforming plastic waste into valuable products, the organization promotes sustainable practices and contributes to global climate action (SDG 13). Additionally, WFO plays a significant role in alleviating poverty (SDG 1) by fostering economic opportunities through its global initiatives. Its efforts align with SDG 9 by driving innovation in waste management systems and supporting sustainable industrialization through circular economy solutions. By advocating for responsible consumption and production patterns (SDG 12), WFO helps minimize waste and encourages sustainable resource use. Moreover, by collaborating with communities and municipalities, WFO contributes to creating sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), enhancing urban resilience and reducing environmental impact.
These efforts drive meaningful change, advancing both environmental protection and community resilience on a global scale.
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SHAPING LASTING IMPACT
To become a significant global driver of collecting and transforming ocean plastic, achieving substantial reductions of waste that contribute to a circular economy.
In 2021, WFO received the CAF International Validated Organization Badge, awarded to organizations that are structured and operated as nonprofit entities.
In 2013, WFO successfully lobbied EU policymakers to secure subsidies from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for fishermen to perform marine clean-ups, as ensured by Article 40.
In 2012, WFO received the PBO (practical boat owner) award for Best Campaign or Initiative for the fishing for litter initiatives and promotion of practical solutions to address marine litter.
