Maya Ellison
4ocean is a for-profit company that sells recycled plastic bracelets, phone cases, sunglasses, and jewelry to fund cleanup missions worldwide. The company was founded by two surfers who wanted to address the oceanic plastic crisis. They sell products made from 100% ocean plastic, with the pledge to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. The plastic debris collected by their captains and crews is repurposed and made into bracelets by artisans in Bali. 4ocean has been criticized for its business model, with some arguing that it is an ecommerce company with a charitable front that spends a lot of money on advertising and marketing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Business Model | Funding cleanups by selling recycled bracelets |
| Products | Bracelets, phone cases, sunglasses, jewelry |
| Plastic Destination | Partners, recycled into products, upcycled into building materials |
| Plastic Weight Removed | 35 million pounds |
| Plastic Weight per Bracelet Sold | 1 pound |
| Number of Countries | 27 |
| Number of Employees | 200 |
| Number of Sea Captains | 7 |
| Number of Countries Cleaned | 16 |
| Plastic Weight Removed in 2017 | 1,500,000 pounds |
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What You'll Learn
- ocean sells recycled plastic to consumers in the form of bracelets
- They also sell phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery made from ocean plastic
- The company uses proceeds from sales to fund cleanup crews
- ocean's business model is centred on selling bracelets to fund cleanups
- Some plastic is sent to local recycling centres to be used by other manufacturers
4ocean sells recycled plastic to consumers in the form of bracelets
4ocean is a for-profit company founded by two surfers, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, with a mission to end the oceanic plastic crisis. The idea for the company was conceived when the two surfers witnessed the vast amount of plastic debris floating in the ocean during a trip to Bali. The company's business model involves selling recycled plastic to consumers in the form of bracelets, with the proceeds funding cleanup missions worldwide.
The bracelets are made from recycled ocean plastic, providing a second life to materials that would otherwise pollute the oceans. Each purchase of a 4ocean bracelet removes 5 pounds of ocean plastic, supports local artisans, and contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts. The company has been selling $20 bracelets since 2017, pledging to remove at least one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. The funds from bracelet sales are used to employ cleanup crews in Florida, Guatemala, Haiti, and Indonesia, who work seven days a week to remove plastic pollution and other man-made debris from the world's oceans, rivers, and coastlines.
In addition to the bracelets, 4ocean also plans to sell other items made from 100% ocean plastic, such as phone cases, sunglasses, and jewelry. The company prioritizes recycling and creating less of a need for new plastic. Plastics that cannot be recycled are responsibly landfilled or converted into energy. 4ocean's cleanup efforts have had a positive impact on local economies and provided full-time jobs to local captains and crews.
The company has faced some criticism and skepticism regarding its business model and the effectiveness of its ocean clean-up efforts. Some commentators have questioned the transparency of 4ocean's operations and the impact of their bracelet sales on reducing ocean plastic. Despite this, 4ocean has successfully removed 35 million pounds of plastic debris and trash from waterways, surpassing its goals in ocean cleanup. The company continues to grow and expand its presence, currently operating in 27 countries with over 200 employees.
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They also sell phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery made from ocean plastic
4ocean, a for-profit company based in Boca Raton, Florida, has made waves in the sustainable marketplace with its unique business model centred on funding global ocean cleanup operations. The company has gained recognition for its sale of $20 bracelets, pledging to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. With the success of this campaign, 4ocean has expanded its product line to include phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery crafted from 100% ocean plastic.
The introduction of phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery made from ocean plastic showcases 4ocean's innovative approach to tackling the plastic crisis. By upcycling recovered plastic pollution into functional and fashionable items, the company gives this waste a new lease of life. The phone cases, for instance, are designed not only to protect one's phone but also to spark conversations and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Each product serves as a tangible reminder of the importance of ocean conservation and the potential for transformative change.
The process of creating these products is meticulously documented, ensuring transparency and accountability. 4ocean's strict documentation process traces the origin of the plastic, including the place and time of recovery, the individuals involved, and the tools and vessels utilised. This level of detail sets a new standard for sustainability and responsible production, providing consumers with confidence in the source and journey of the materials.
GreenCircle Certification, an independent third-party organisation, further enhances the credibility of 4ocean's products. They audit and verify that the 4ocean Plastic is indeed sourced from oceans, rivers, and coastlines, reinforcing the company's commitment to transparency. This certification distinguishes 4ocean from other companies in the marketplace, where traceability can often be a challenge.
By purchasing these phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery pieces, consumers not only acquire unique and environmentally conscious items but also actively contribute to funding 4ocean's global cleanup initiatives. The revenue generated from these sales helps sustain and expand their ocean cleanup operations, creating a positive cycle of impact. This business model exemplifies how 4ocean, as a private company, has successfully merged profit and purpose, demonstrating that businesses can indeed be a force for good.
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The company uses proceeds from sales to fund cleanup crews
4ocean is a for-profit company founded by two surfers, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, who wanted to address the oceanic plastic crisis. The company's business model is designed to fund cleanup missions and create jobs for people living in communities impacted by plastic pollution. 4ocean sells recycled bracelets, with the pledge to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. The proceeds from these sales are used to employ cleanup crews in Florida, Guatemala, Haiti, and Indonesia.
The cleanup crews work seven days a week, using simple tools such as gloves, fishing nets, and super sacks to collect plastic pollution and other man-made debris from oceans, rivers, and coastlines. The collected debris is sorted by type, colour, and condition, and then undergoes different recycling protocols. Some plastics are shredded, recycled, or upcycled into new products, such as phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery, and building materials. 4ocean also plans to introduce items made from 100% ocean plastic, turning recovered materials into pellets.
The company prioritises recycling and reducing the demand for new plastic production. They aim to have a minimal impact on the natural environment during cleanups and ensure that wildlife can move freely without interference from equipment. 4ocean also documents each day's collection on a TrashTracker, providing transparency and assurance of their efforts.
In addition to funding cleanup missions, 4ocean's bracelet sales support local artisans in Bali and Guatemala who create the bracelets, contributing to local economies and providing full-time jobs worldwide. The company has successfully removed 35 million pounds of plastic debris and trash from waterways, surpassing its goals in ocean cleanup.
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4ocean's business model is centred on selling bracelets to fund cleanups
4ocean is a Florida-based "public benefit corporation" with a mission to end the oceanic plastic crisis. The company was founded by two surfers, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, who were inspired to take action after witnessing the vast amount of plastic debris floating in the ocean during a trip to Bali.
The business model of 4ocean is centred on selling bracelets to fund cleanups. The company has been selling $20 bracelets made from recycled ocean plastic since 2017, pledging to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. The proceeds from bracelet sales are used to employ cleanup crews and captains in Florida, Guatemala, Haiti, and Indonesia, who work seven days a week to remove plastic and trash from the ocean, rivers, and coastlines.
In addition to funding cleanups, 4ocean prioritises recycling and upcycling the collected debris. Some of the plastic is shredded and recycled into new products, such as phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery, and building materials, reducing the demand for virgin plastic production. Plastics that cannot be recycled are responsibly landfilled or converted into energy at the Solid Waste Authority in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Through this business model, 4ocean has successfully removed 35 million pounds of plastic debris and trash from waterways worldwide. The company has also created jobs in communities impacted by plastic pollution and raised awareness about the importance of cleaning the ocean. 4ocean's presence has expanded to 27 countries, with over 200 employees, and a strong social media following.
While 4ocean has received some criticism for its business model and marketing approach, the company continues to grow and make a positive impact on the environment. Their efforts have helped restore waterways, supported local economies, and contributed to broader environmental conservation goals.
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Some plastic is sent to local recycling centres to be used by other manufacturers
4ocean is a Florida-based "public benefit corporation" that sells $20 bracelets made from recycled ocean plastic. The company pledges to remove one pound of trash for each bracelet sold. The plastic debris collected by 4ocean's captains and crews is repurposed and made into bracelets by local artisans in Bali, Guatemala, and Haiti.
Some of the plastic collected by 4ocean is sent to local recycling centres, where it is processed into raw materials that other manufacturers can use to create new products. This approach helps reduce the demand for virgin plastic production. 4ocean also upcycles some of the plastic collected to create 100% 4ocean plastic products, such as phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery.
In addition to recycling and upcycling plastic, 4ocean has also started co-processing plastic that does not fit into any recycling criteria. Instead of using fossil fuels, they turn this plastic waste into energy, which is used to power thousands of homes and businesses in their local community.
The entire 4ocean plastic supply chain is GreenCircle Certified, meaning it is audited and verified to ensure accurate upcycling practices. As a Public Benefit Corporation, 4ocean is legally required to prioritize social and environmental impact alongside shareholder value.
Through the sale of their bracelets, 4ocean has removed 35 million pounds of plastic debris and trash from waterways, surpassing its goals in ocean cleanup. The company has a presence in 27 countries and employs over 200 people, with crews working in the ocean seven days a week.
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Frequently asked questions
4ocean sells plastic to consumers in the form of bracelets, phone cases, sunglasses, and jewellery. These products are made from recycled ocean plastic.
4ocean is a for-profit company founded by two surfers, Alex Schulze and Andrew Cooper, with the mission to end the oceanic plastic crisis.
4ocean funds its cleanups through the sale of its products, primarily its $20 bracelets. Each bracelet purchase removes 5 pounds of ocean plastic.
4ocean has conducted cleanups in 27 countries, including Indonesia, Guatemala, Haiti, and Indonesia.
The plastic collected by 4ocean is sorted by type and colour. Recyclable plastics are sent to local recycling centres, while non-recyclable plastics are sent to landfills or converted into energy. Some plastics are also shredded and recycled into products like bracelets, phone cases, and sunglasses.
