Half a billion bottles banked
Cleaning up the beach
CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative in collaboration with Plastic Bank, eyecare professionals and contact lens wearers, has now prevented the equivalent of more than half a billion plastic bottles from entering the world’s oceans.
“Practitioners and wearers who choose CooperVision plastic neutral contact lenses have been central to creating such an enormous impact, and we are proud to have partnered with them and Plastic Bank in helping People + Planet,” said Aldo Zucaro, senior director, corporate responsibility, CooperCompanies.
“Half a billion bottles is an amazing milestone – if you put them end-to-end, you could circle the earth two and a half times.”
In partnership with Plastic Bank, CooperVision funds the collection and recycling of ocean-bound plastic equivalent to the weight of plastic used across a range of its participating soft contact lenses, including the lens, blister and packaging components, that are sold and distributed across 34 countries.
“While the achievement should be celebrated, it is not our end goal – we are always seeking ways to do more,” continued Aldo. “This journey is ongoing, and we are excited for what’s ahead. Together, we can make an even greater difference for People + Planet.”
Beyond the environmental benefits, CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative elevates the lives of Plastic Bank collector members in hundreds of coastal communities. In exchange for the ocean-bound plastic waste they collect, adults receive credits to purchase goods and services, including health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, grocery vouchers, school supplies, and more.
Plastic Bank also provides vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye examinations and spectacles for eligible Plastic Bank collection members.