Barrier films are everywhere. Most food and medical items requiring protection from oxygen, moisture or light are packaged in a film coated in a silver metallic coating to create “barrier’ properties.

Composed of patent pending multi-layer structure, this film can also be found in snack food bags, candy, individual servings of food or medications, energy bars and much more. However, even though barrier film is incredibly effective at protecting the product inside, options for its end-of-life are limited. The mixed layers of material, often including metallized coatings, need to be sorted into different recycling streams in order to be processed…until now.

Okeanos has developed a multiple layer structure that is entirely Made From Stone^TM, which meets or exceeds the barrier protection of metalized films.  Not only could Okeanos reduce the virgin plastic and CO₂ use in the films, but these presently non-recyclable films could be made recyclable as a mono-material depending on local laws and equipment.

We’re thrilled to announce that Mary Lehrter, our VP of Process Innovation has been recognized on this year’s Plastics News’ Women Breaking The Mold list!

This is no surprise to those of us who have the pleasure of working with her every day, but we’re so excited about this honor for Mary that we want to shout it from the rooftops! After a long and storied 35-year career at Proctor & Gamble (P&G) as Senior Engineer of R&D, Mary brought her incredible talents to Okeanos, where she spearheads our Innovation team’s numerous cutting-edge projects. Mary is not only a role model to the many women of Okeanos, she is also a shining example of what happens when passion meets perseverance.

Her methodical, careful, yet bold approach to material science has allowed Okeanos to get to where we are today. During her time at P&G, Mary was responsible for leading definition, development and commissioning new brand initiatives, resulting in over $1 Billion dollars in revenue! She holds several patents in the United States, Europe and China, and there’s a good chance you already regularly use some of her inventions, which range from high-speed embossing and adhesive printing process (Press n’ Seal food wrap), tissue paper with enhanced lotion transfer (Puffs facial tissue)!

To read Mary’s interview in Plastics News, click here!

After discovering a plastic bottle of English soda brand Lucozade on the coast of Sweden, surfer Merijn Tinga was inspired to take to the waves to make some noise about the urgent plastic pollution crisis.

Armed with a surfboard constructed of recovered ocean plastic, and a windsail, Mr. Tinga followed the hypothetical journey of the bottle he found, windsurfing from the Norwegian coast to Denmark and then along the coasts of Germany, the Netherlands, and France, before getting a ferry to England.

He completed his journey windsurfing up the Thames, armed with a petition for Minister of Environment, Rebecca Pow calling for a petition for the UK to develop a national bottle return scheme. Mr. Tinga’s story demonstrates the reason why Okeanos is working so hard to establish a presence around the world. We all share one Okeanos, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect it.

To learn more about how we got our name, read our story!

This month, we’re celebrating Santi Rotblat, AP Analyst, and our Rockstar of the month! Read on to learn why Santi, who speaks four languages, is passionate about improving the environment not just in his backyard, but around the world.

Tell us what sustainability means to you.
Sustainability, to me, means making a deliberate effort to transform our daily habits and practices for the greater good of the planet. It’s about taking responsibility for our actions and actively contributing to a well-preserved and improved future for generations to come. Sustainability goes beyond just reducing waste or being mindful consumers; it’s also about spreading awareness and supporting any initiative that can mitigate carbon emissions and air pollution.

In your country, have you noticed a shift in society’s mindset toward more urgency surrounding climate issues?
I did! I’ve noticed a growing trend of using reusable bags instead of single-use plastic bags, or reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. Also, the government has been proactive in implementing a waste management system that encourages citizens to separate their waste by different categories such as glass, paper and cardboard, metals, plastics, etc. Moreover, HR & MKT have organized an eco-friendly challenge in Okeanos Argentina to recycle plastic bottles by filling them up with clean, dry one-use plastics, basically helping repurpose them into ecobricks. This not only helps in waste reduction but also promotes a circular economy approach.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Usually (but not always!) the sound of my phone’s alarm! Lol. However, there’s something else that fuels my motivation as well. It’s the knowledge that each day presents an opportunity for me to make a small but meaningful contribution to the world. Working for an environmentally focused company gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that my efforts are aligned with promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on the planet inspires me to start each day with enthusiasm.

Whether it’s finding innovative solutions to reduce waste, implementing eco-friendly practices, or raising awareness about environmental issues, I take pride in being part of something bigger than myself.

What’s the most encouraging sign you’ve noticed in your work that proves that we’re making progress toward a less plastic planet?
Seeing and feeling the Made From Stone finished products. They are amazing!

Working in my current department at the company, I find it quite challenging to fully perceive the magnitude of the contribution we make to the world. However, when I am finally able to witness, touch, and feel the finished product that emerges from our efforts, a profound appreciation dawns upon me. Seeing the tangible output of our work allows me to connect the dots and understand how our collective efforts translate into something meaningful and valuable. It is in these moments that I truly grasp the significance of our contribution to the world. Whether it be a life-changing product, an innovative solution, or a service that improves lives, the realization of our impact becomes vividly clear when it takes a concrete form.

Though the path from conception to the finished product may be challenging and at times obscure, the sense of fulfillment and pride I experience when witnessing the end result makes it all worthwhile. It reinforces my dedication to the company’s mission and inspires me to continue giving my best in every task I undertake. Ultimately, being able to touch, feel, and see the fruits of our labor is a humbling and rewarding experience that amplifies my belief in the meaningful difference we make in the world.

What advice would you give to those entering the field of Sustainability?
You may at times feel like your individual contribution is merely a drop in the ocean and may not seem to make a significant difference. However, remember that if each of us does our part, collectively, we can create a tidal wave of positive change.

In addition to your professional work, I think it’s important not to underestimate the power of raising awareness among the people you know. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of sustainability and the simple steps they can take to make a difference. Spreading knowledge and inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices can create a ripple effect, leading to a more environmentally conscious society. Even the smallest actions and decisions can have far-reaching consequences when combined with the efforts of others.

What’s something about you that not many people know?
Back when I was 8 years old, I was an enthusiastic basketball player. For a couple of years, I spent time playing basketball at a club situated in my neighborhood, and I believe I got pretty good at it! Basketball was a passion of mine during those formative years, and it brought me a lot of joy and valuable experiences. While my interests may have evolved since then, those memories of my basketball days hold a special place in my heart.

News You Should Know: