Recycled Ocean Plastic: Turning the Tide on Pollution

July 30, 2025

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At Wave, we believe every click should move us closer to a cleaner ocean. That’s why we built Wave—and why we’ve partnered with an organization that helps remove garbage from the ocean—to turn digital actions into real-world impact.

Every tab opened contributes to the mission to save the ocean while inspiring millions to rethink how we use plastic materials in our daily lives. And there’s one innovation we’re watching closely: recycled ocean plastic.

What Is Recycled Ocean Plastic?

Recycled ocean plastic refers to materials that have been recovered from oceans, rivers, or coastlines and transformed into new, durable products. These plastics come from discarded bottles, bags, fishing nets, and packaging waste.

Instead of piling up in landfills or floating in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, this waste gets a second life.

The Plastic Pollution Crisis

Let’s be clear: we’re living through a full-blown pollution crisis. Each year, more than 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans. That’s equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic waste into the ocean every minute. From the garbage patch to your local beach, the damage is visible—and growing.

It’s not just the volume. It’s the persistence. Unlike biodegradable materials, plastics never really go away. They break down into microplastics, infiltrating marine life, food systems, and even our bodies.

Recycled vs. Virgin Plastics

Unlike virgin plastics, which are made from petroleum-based raw materials, recycled ocean plastic gives waste a second chance.

This reduces the demand for new plastic production and keeps existing plastics out of ecosystems. It’s a closed loop approach with benefits across the board—for manufacturers, consumers, marine life, and the sustainable initiatives driving long-term change.

Durable Design for a Cleaner Future

By transforming plastic waste into strong, long-lasting alternatives, brands are proving that eco-conscious design can deliver performance without compromise. Whether it’s minimalist product wraps or high-quality fabrics made from repurposed plastics, this shift is keeping garbage out of the ocean and value in the supply chain.

At Wave, we believe better materials drive better outcomes—for consumers and the planet.

From Packaging to Apparel

Recycled ocean plastic is reshaping how we think about everyday products—from the packaging that ships them to the apparel we wear. These materials aren’t just a sustainable choice—they’re a durable one.

Across industries, we’re seeing powerful examples of sustainability, from brands using recycled plastic for minimalist packaging to fashion labels creating ocean-safe apparel. Beyond product design, there are global projects that help environment, including ocean cleanup efforts, plastic-to-fiber recycling programs, and community-driven waste collection networks.

These initiatives prove that with smart design and collective action, durable solutions can protect our planet—one product at a time.

How Recycled Ocean Plastic Is Being Used

From sustainable apparel to eco-conscious packaging, companies are embracing recycled ocean plastic in bold ways. Brands like Parley have turned plastic intercepted from coastlines into high-performance sportswear. Packaging innovators are rethinking the supply chain with bottles made from ocean material.

And at Wave, we’re proud to be part of the movement—our browser platform is helping drive meaningful impact: Wave will fund the removal of 300,000 pounds of plastic waste from oceans, rivers, and coastlines by 2028.

Why It Matters to Wave

Our mission is simple: Surf the Web, Save the Ocean.

With every download of Wave Browser, we help remove plastic from the ocean. But we also believe in scaling solutions that address the root of the problem—like reducing single-use plastics and promoting circular economies that keep plastic out of the water in the first place.

Supporting recycled ocean plastic means supporting innovation. It means pushing for better alternatives, smarter design, and cleaner outcomes. And it means shifting away from the outdated systems that got us into this mess.