|
|
||
|
In the November edition of Set in Stone®, we’ve got the latest news fresh from COP29, the final draft of the Global Plastics Treaty, and an exciting new product launch in Ecuador!
OKEANOS ® BUSINESS NEWSLETTER – November 2024
Whoops! We got ahead of ourselves in our last update, we optimistically implied that the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations had reached a conclusion. However, despite the tireless efforts of the INC Chair and government negotiators, the treaty remains in progress as we now look toward the newly scheduled INC5.2 session.
Over the past week, negotiators from 175 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, to work toward a first-of-its-kind Global Plastics Treaty, a groundbreaking effort aimed at reducing plastic pollution by at least 75% by 2040. While significant progress was made, a final treaty was not agreed upon, and the additional session is needed to bridge remaining gaps.
Notable elements of the treaty could include:
However, as the negotiations in Busan entered into their final hours, it became clear an additional session would be needed for government negotiators to reach a decision. As the Business Coalition for a Global Plastic Treaty warns, there is a risk of settling for a low-impact treaty with voluntary measures, rather than the strong, binding global rules that are necessary to address plastics comprehensively.
Looking ahead, Governments now face a critical choice:
Okeanos remains optimistic. The progress made in Busan, especially the widespread support for binding obligations, represents a significant step forward. But there is still work to be done before the world achieves a treaty with the impact needed to tackle plastic pollution.
Is your packaging ready for future regulations?
Earlier this month, our Government Affairs Team was in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29, the UN Climate Conference, where they introduced Made From Stone to representatives from global governments, NGOs, and corporate stakeholders. The conference presented a valuable opportunity for Okeanos to highlight our plastic pollution solution, gain a better understanding of forthcoming environmental policy, and participate in discussions that have yielded several unconventional yet exciting partnerships with like-minded technologies and organizations.
Highlights from Okeanos time at COP29 include:
We engaged in productive discussions with Ministries of Environment from Portugal, Colombia, Ecuador, and Serbia to explore new partnership opportunities!
We’re already looking ahead to COP30, which will bring the annual UN climate summit to the doorstep of the Amazon Rainforest in Belém, Brazil.
Does your organization have plans to attend?
Connect with Okeanos Government Affairs to partner with us!
In just a year, Okeanos projects that by making the switch to stone, La Sirena will see CO2 savings of more than 3 million kg CO2 eq-/kg and reduce their plastic use by over 2.1 million kg! How? Read on to find out!
Popular grocery chain La Sirena Supermarket is now delivering sustainability to the grocery aisle, adopting shopping bags Made From Stone.
The new shopping bags, which replace bags previously made from 100% HDPE, boast a significant reduction in virgin plastic content and a reduction in both water use and CO2 footprint.
Did you know that by scanning the QR code on the store’s bag, you can see the stone’s journey from ground to grocery?
Try it! Use your camera at the QR code on the image or click on it.
(*Remember to enable your location!).
“My work here has opened my eyes to the number of products that are simply over-engineered; our technology focuses on reduction, and just that small swap can make a huge difference.”
This month we’re celebrating Ibrahim Garbadawala, Lab Technician at the Okeanos Innovation Center (OKIV). Ibrahim brings his wit and passion for his work to Okeanos from Xavier University.
Read on to learn about his work at OKIV!
What is the most obvious sign of climate change where you live? How has your community addressed it?
The most obvious sign I’ve noticed here in Cincinnati is the shift in weather patterns. Winters have become milder, while summers are stretching longer and becoming hotter. Although there is no immediate response for our community to address this, another major action that has taken place to make it more sustainable is the passing of the plastic t-shirt bag ban.
In the lab, you test products Made From Stone for various properties. Which mechanical property do you think is most positively impacted by the introduction of Made From Stone compounds?
The introduction of Made From Stone compounds positively enhances several key mechanical properties. Notably, I’ve observed significant improvements in tear resistance for Made From Stone films and crack resistance for rigid articles. These enhancements are highly beneficial in everyday applications, with tear resistance increasing in films and crack resistance improving in rigid materials. Additionally, we are evaluating the impact of Made From Stone compounds on oxygen barrier properties in rigid articles, which could potentially extend the shelf life of food products.
How have you integrated sustainability into your daily life since you started at Okeanos?
Since joining Okeanos, I’ve made a conscious effort to integrate sustainability into my daily life. At OKIV, I avoid single-use packaging; at home, I always use reusable bags when grocery shopping. I also carry a reusable water bottle to reduce waste. My work here has opened my eyes to the number of products that are simply over-engineered; our technology focuses on reduction, and just that small swap can make a huge difference.
Tell us about the most exciting project you’ve worked on at Okeanos so far.
Problem-solving for clients trialing our material has allowed me to apply what I have learned here at OKIV to high-priority situations; leveraging my knowledge to suggest various methods and solutions to address a variety of challenges. Being able to apply my knowledge from the lab to real-world applications has been incredibly rewarding.
What’s a skill or talent your co-workers may not know you possess?
I’ve been playing tennis for eight years!
Want to join our Okeanos team?
Global News You Should Know:
Satellites Can Now Spot Plastic Trash On Beaches From Space – SPACE.com
All trademarks, service marks, trade names, trade dress, product names and logos appearing on the page are the property of their respective owners, including Okeanos Group, LLC and its affiliates (“Okeanos”)