Transforming Waste into Symbols of Change
PARLEY OCEAN PLASTIC® is a range of premium materials made from upcycled plastic intercepted in areas where mismanaged waste poses a threat to marine life and coastal communities.
Parley Ocean Plastic® is our range of premium materials created from upcycled plastic intercepted from areas where mismanaged waste poses a threat to marine life and coastal communities. To supply Parley Ocean Plastic® at a global scale while meeting the highest environmental, social, and ethical standards, raw materials are sourced according to our Parley Ocean Plastic® Framework, a scientifically developed sourcing index created in partnership with leading marine plastic pollution and waste management experts. This framework allows us to determine the geographic sourcing range of our materials — to know where recycling materials are recovered, and ensure plastic waste is intercepted through processes which meet the standards and goals of our mission.
Plastic is a design failure. At Parley, we don’t see recycling or upcycling as the ultimate solution, but a step forward that allows us to address immediate threats, reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based plastics and transform products into ‘Symbols of Change’ that champion our vision for a Material Revolution. We can only end marine plastic pollution in the long run if we invent smarter materials and synchronize the economic system of humankind with the ecosystem of nature. Together with a global network of material experts, Parley is operating an extensive research and development program to invent and scale alternatives, and establish new industry standards.
OUR PROCESS
Parley Ocean Plastic® is fully traceable through every step of the process, from collection to final product
1. PLASTIC INTERCEPTION
To combat plastic pollution, Parley uses a variety of approaches – to engage both the public and professionals to create maximum impact. Our cleanups target plastic waste on beaches and remote islands, in rivers, mangroves, wetlands and coastal communities. Together with our partners, Parley also responds to plastic emergencies, and develops and implements longterm strategies to end the plastic crisis.
2. COLLECTION
Waste plastic is collected by local Parley teams and via community interception programs. While Parley is active in many more countries globally, the majority of our material collection comes primarily from the Maldives, Dominican Republic and Sri Lanka. Collection points are strategically placed in a variety of high density locations around these countries. Locations include schools, businesses, communities, parks, etc., and our Parley AIR Station numbers are continuing to grow.
3. SORTING
Our preferred sorting partners in each country go through an extensive auditing process that guarantees the highest standard product and treatment of employees. These facilities sort the variety of collected waste and bale the quality plastic by type and color. These bales are then sent to our preferred recycling partners.
4. RECYCLING
Our certified recycling partners receive the materials and proceed to clean, sort, flake and pelletize. This stage of the process produces the Parley Ocean Plastic® products, flakes and pellets in a variety of colors.
5. INTERMEDIATE PRODUCTS
Our production partners take the pellets and extrude and spin the material into yarn. The yarn is further woven into a fabric. This stage of the process results in Parley Ocean Plastic® yarns and fabrics in a variety of colors, weights, and finishes.
6. PRODUCTION
Finished Parley Ocean Plastic® yarns and fabrics are then used to create new products. This stage of the process leads to the Parley Ocean Plastic® products like footwear, apparel, accessories, eyewear, furniture and many more applications.
Our collaboration with the iconic French fashion house takes Ocean Plastic® to new levels of luxury – demonstrating the versatility and reliability of our repurposed ocean yarns and fabrics.