Did you know that the driving force behind our technology was born out of our founders’ passion for protecting the ocean?

While diving, our co-founders Florencio Cuétara and Dr. Russell Petrie encountered plastic packaging repeatedly on their trips, and decided to make it their mission to eradicate as much of it as they could for the benefit of their children, grandchildren and generations to come.

They put their heads together and pulling from their experiences in the medical and snack food businesses, came up with a way to reduce plastic at the point of manufacture. They chose the name Okeanos, named for the Greek god of the rivers that encircle the world – also known as our oceans – to serve as a constant reminder of what we’re working so hard to protect.

On June 8th, the world will celebrate World Oceans Day and we’ll be celebrating in our offices all around the world.

Ship! Ship! Hooray! Thanks to Made From StoneTM, it’s now possible to ship internationally using mailing envelopes made with less plastic and a lower CO2 footprint!

According to a recent market study, polyethylene (PE) mailers will increase from 2021 to 2028 at a rate of 5% per year! This means more and more virgin plastic entering the environment each year – but, not if we can help it.

Introducing courier bags Made From Stone! They’re lightweight, flexible, are made with less plastic, and have a significantly lower CO2 footprint than their fully plastic predecessors.

Interested in converting your courier bags to Made From Stone?
Click here to get in touch with our sales team today!

This month, the US Environmental Protection Agency released a draft of the country’s “National Strategy to Prevent Plastic Pollution,” which prioritizes:

– Reducing pollution during plastic production

– Improving post-use materials management

– Preventing trash & microplastics from entering waterways & removing escaped trash

from the environment

The draft strategy (linked here in full) places importance on circular economy driven solutions by “designing products for re-use and recycling, using less impactful materials, phasing out unnecessary products upstream…to reduce pollution throughout the life cycle of plastic products.”

Made From Stone technology addresses all three of these priorities and Okeanos feels that the strategy is a positive step forward but would like additional emphasis to be placed on the scalability and immediacy of solutions like ours that use renewable resources. Okeanos’ Government Affairs team is working alongside our partners at ASBN to provide additional feedback on this strategy during the public comment period.

To learn more about the ways Okeanos is working with global governments, get in touch

with our Government Affairs team by clicking here!

There could be positive news about plastic – Yes, really!

A new report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), estimated that if we eliminate unnecessary plastics, increase reuse, and replace petrochemically derived plastics with greener alternatives, we could see an 80% reduction in plastic pollution by 2040!

Not only would a major reduction in plastic eliminate a massive amount of pollution but could prevent as much as 500 million tons of CO2 emissions per year – which is about the same as the emissions of Canada!

Change is possible, and we’re here to help. Made From Stone technology ticks all the boxes, using a renewable mineral to replace oil-based plastics, reducing the amount of plastic flowing into the environment at the source! It’s going to take all of us making a switch to more sustainable feedstocks ot really make a difference.

Ready to get started?
Get in touch!!

This month we’re recognizing Alejo Galeano, our Buyer as Rockstar of the Month!

Tell us what this sustainability means to you.

To me, sustainability is the responsibility that falls upon our society toward our planet for future generations. It means to proactively seek and implement long-term solutions that ensure the fulfillment of our population’s needs while safeguarding and replenishing the resources that our planet provides.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I love the fact that I can combine my professional growth, personal values, and knowledge while working alongside a passionate global team that genuinely believes in the work we do and the impact that we are generating. Together, we strive to implement innovative and practical solutions that have a positive impact on our planet and communities. Knowing that my efforts are valued and understanding that the work I’m involved in produces meaningful results that resonate with people worldwide fills me with an immense sense of pride, joy, and satisfaction and gives me the motivation to jump out of bed in the morning.

What’s the most encouraging sign you’ve noticed in your work that proves that we’re making progress toward a less plastic planet?

The genuine interest and support we receive from our suppliers, partners, and customers serve as a powerful motivator to intensify our efforts. Additionally, the increasing number of businesses and industries that are actively taking measures to reduce plastic waste by adopting sustainable packaging, establishing recycling programs, and advocating for responsible consumer behavior is a clear acknowledgment of the growth and urgency of addressing plastic pollution. Combined, this positive mobility fuels our determination to push our limits further and make a lasting impact on our planet.

What advice would you give to those entering the field of Sustainability?

I would encourage them not to get frustrated by resistance or reluctance to embrace sustainable solutions. I think that the key relies on persistence along with making our voices heard by as many individuals as possible. By persevering and sharing our thoughts widely, we increase the chances of sparking change and finding like-minded individuals who are receptive to our ideas.

What’s something about you that not many people know?

I have a deep passion for travel and exploration, and a genuine curiosity for diverse cultures. The opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures, observe their unique customs, enjoy their authentic cuisines, and even learn a bit of their languages is an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience. It opens up a world of endless possibilities, broadens my perspective, and provides me invaluable insight into our global community.

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