Every year, the world produces nearly 500 million tons of plastic waste, according to Our World in Data. A significant portion of this is mismanaged and ends up in rivers, coastlines, and eventually our oceans, a key driver of the overwhelming levels of marine pollution we see today.
The truth is, plastic waste doesn’t need to be generated at this scale. Yet, recycling alone has not been able to solve the problem. Greenpeace reports that only 5–6% of plastics were actually recycled in 2022, leaving the vast majority either incinerated, landfilled, or worse, leaking into natural ecosystems.
This calls for a radical rethink of how we package, consume, and dispose of materials. And one solution gaining global momentum is the circulareconomy, where waste is minimized, and materials are either reused or reintegrated into the environment without harm.
What is Ocean-Bound Plastic?
Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) refers to plastic waste that is at risk of entering the ocean, typically found within 50 kilometers of coastlines or 200 meters from rivers and shorelines. According to the Ocean Bound Plastic Certification, this type of mismanaged waste is responsible for up to 80% of marine litter.
The sources vary:
- Inland waste mismanagement – where dumping occurs near waterways.
- Fishing materials – nets, ropes, and cages, which account for almost one-third of plastic debris in oceans.
- Urban runoff – litter swept away by storm drains and rivers.
The result? Microplastics and macroplastics alike wreak havoc on marine ecosystems. Studies show 100 million marine animal deaths annually can be attributed to plastic pollution, including endangered species like whales, turtles, and seabirds.
The Bottom Line:
Plastic pollution is one of the defining issues of our generation. But solutions exist, and compostable packaging is one of the most immediate, scalable ways to reduce the volume of plastic waste entering our oceans.
At XF Packaging, we believe sustainability is not just an option, it’s a responsibility. Together, we can create a packaging ecosystem that protects our planet, preserves marine life, and secures a cleaner future.