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In the May edition of Set in Stone®, we’re celebrating big moves in Mexico, a landmark climate agreement in an unexpected industry sector, and keeping a close eye on a class-action greenwashing lawsuit.
OKEANOS ® BUSINESS NEWSLETTER – May 2025
Though global commerce continues to grapple with the impacts of trade tensions, a bright spot has emerged from an unexpected sector: the shipping industry, which has reached a groundbreaking climate agreement to cut emissions and lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
After a decade of negotiations, a landmark international agreement has been approved to slash emissions from the global shipping industry—the first sector to adopt binding international climate targets. Final adoption is set for October, with implementation by 2027.
The deal, passed at the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), a specialized UN agency responsible for the security of global shipping and the prevention of pollution by ships, aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. Shipping currently contributes around 3% of global CO₂ emissions, relying heavily on diesel fuel.
Key measures include mandatory fuel standards, a carbon pricing mechanism, penalties of up to $380 per ton of CO₂, and incentives for low-emission vessels. An IMO Net-Zero Fund will support clean innovation, especially in developing nations.
Despite resistance from oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia, concerned about the cost of green fuels, the agreement passed by vote, binding 108 nations to a cleaner shipping future.
This landmark deal marks a major step in the fight against climate change, setting bold targets and innovative tools to cut emissions. It highlights the power of global cooperation in building a more sustainable future.
Big News! We’re excited to announce a strategic distribution partnership with SM Resinas, one of Latin America’s most influential polymer distributors.
This alliance marks a major step in expanding the reach of Okeanos’ “Made from Stone” technology, which replaces plastic with stone-based compounds to reduce overall plastic content and environmental impact. Sustainable packaging can now be sold and manufactured in Mexico using truly local ingredients.
With decades of leadership in the polymer industry, SM Resinas is known for its vast commercial network, technical expertise, and long-standing partnerships across the plastics and packaging sectors. Their deep market presence makes them a powerful partner in driving the adoption of sustainable solutions throughout Latin America. SM Resinas will represent Okeanos in Mexico, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.
Alongside the new partnership, Okeanos is expanding its compound capacity with our 13th qualified compounding plant, located in Guadalajara. This plant will utilize local stone to increase local supply, shorten lead times, and increase compounding capacity to support the growing demand for sustainable materials accross the region.
By combining material innovation with SM Resinas’ market strength, Okeanos is poised to accelerate the shift toward more responsible packaging across Latin America.
Manufacturing in Mexico? Get Sustainability at No Cost!
If your favorite brand claimed to be “eco-friendly,” would you take their word for it?
W.L. Gore & Associates, maker of Gore-Tex outdoor gear, is facing a class-action lawsuit filed in February 2025, alleging the company misled its environmentally conscious consumers. The suit claims Gore-Tex promoted products with vague and unverifiable claims such as “Committed to Sustainability” and “Environmentally Sound,” while continuing to use PFAS, harmful “forever chemicals” linked to long-term environmental and health risks.
The lawsuit asserts that Gore-Tex products release PFAS during manufacturing and use, violating the FTC Green Guides, which help businesses avoid deceptive environmental marketing. While the company highlights future PFAS-free innovations, the suit contends that current products still contain the chemicals. This case follows a separate 2024 lawsuit from the State of Maryland, which accuses Gore of PFAS contamination at multiple facilities.
As greenwashing comes under increasing regulatory scrutiny, this case underscores the growing importance for brands to ensure that environmental claims are transparent, accurate, and legally sound. Although the FTC was expected to release an updated version of its Green Guides in 2024, experts now anticipate delays or stagnation under the current, less climate-focused U.S. administration.
At Okeanos, our marketing and legislative affairs teams work hand in hand to ensure that all client claims align with existing regulations, delivering messaging that is not only compelling but fully compliant and credible.
This month, our Mastering Sustainability podcast featured Martin Wolf, founder of Wolf Sustainability and former Director at Seventh Generation, joined by Okeanos Sustainability Director Madeline Armstrong. They delved into PFAS and their impact on consumer health and the environment.
Q: What exactly are PFAS, and why are they a concern for consumers and the environment?
Madeline Armstrong: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a wide range of products, from non-stick cookware to water-resistant fabrics. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment or in the human body. Over time, they can accumulate in both, leading to potential health risks like liver damage, immune system disruption, and cancer. This makes them a major concern for both consumers and the environment.
Q: How are PFAS used in consumer products, and what are the risks associated with their use?
Madeline Armstrong: PFAS are commonly used for their water- and stain-resistant properties, especially in products like outdoor gear, clothing, and carpeting. They’re also found in food packaging, firefighting foam, and even some cosmetics. The real issue arises because these chemicals don’t biodegrade. They can leach into water supplies, contaminate soil, and build up in the human body, which is why they’re so harmful. In the long term, exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues, including kidney and testicular cancers, as well as developmental issues in children.
Q: What can consumers do to protect themselves from PFAS exposure?
Madeline Armstrong: Consumers can start by becoming more informed about the products they use. Look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and avoid products that contain harmful chemicals, such as PFAS. It’s also helpful to support companies that prioritize sustainability and use safer, non-toxic alternatives. Lastly, avoid products labeled with vague terms like “water-resistant” or “stain-resistant” unless the brand provides a clear breakdown of what chemicals are involved.
Q: What role do companies have in eliminating PFAS from the marketplace?
Madeline Armstrong: Companies have a huge responsibility to reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals like PFAS from their products. We believe it’s not just about meeting regulatory standards but also about taking proactive steps to protect consumers and the environment. Brands need to prioritize safety and transparency, reform their product lines, and work towards creating safer alternatives. The entire industry needs to evolve in a way that makes sustainability and health the standard, not the exception.
Q: What’s next for the fight against PFAS contamination?
Madeline Armstrong: The future involves both stricter regulation and more widespread consumer education. We are pushing for stronger governmental action and better policies to manage and eventually eliminate PFAS in consumer products. On a company level, we’re continuing to innovate with safer ingredients and transparent practices. Ultimately, it’s a collective effort that will ensure a safer and healthier environment for future generations.
Feel like you have more to master in the world of sustainability?
Catch the latest episode of Mastering Sustainability with Martin Wolf on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you podcast.
Listen to Martin on Mastering Sustainability!
This month’s standout star, Ramiro Cortavarria, has hit the ground running since joining Okeanos—and hasn’t looked back. As a Sales Associate leading efforts across LATAM, Ramiro has played a pivotal role in partnering with some of our most prominent clients to bring their sustainable packaging goals to life. Keep reading to discover what drives his passion and performance!
I work in the Sales Department and my job is Sales Associate for LATAM!
Before landing at Okeanos, I built my experience as an Operations Developer and studied at Universidad Argentina de la Empresa
The Made From Stone application I’m currently most excited about is the Thermoformed products using Seafoam, because I believe that after adding calcium carbonate — and significantly reducing CO₂ emissions — lowering densities becomes the final piece of the puzzle that makes Made From Stone a no-brainer in this packaging category.
When I’m working, I’m listening to Drake on Spotify!
For news, I’m always tuned into “𝕏“
Outside work, I’m currently reading “let my people go surfing” by Yvon Chouinard
Number of countries lived in: Two, Argentina and Brazil.
Next place I want to travel: Europe
Learn more about career opportunities at Okeanos
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