The global plastic crisis has been escalating at an alarming rate since the 1970s. In recent years, plastic production has grown much faster, as global production is projected to reach 1,100 million tons by 2050, according to a report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam are among the largest contributors in Asia to plastic waste entering the oceans. 

In the Philippines, millions of tons of plastic waste are generated annually, much of it flowing through urban rivers into the ocean. Despite growing efforts to curb pollution, less than 10 percent of the world’s seven billion tons of plastic waste is recycled; the rest is dumped, burned, or transported across borders. 

Without systemic changes, the amount of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could nearly triple from nine to 14 million tons per year in 2016 to a projected 23 to 37 million tons per year by 2040, according to UNEP.

Seeing how urgent the problem is, Plastic Odyssey, a pioneering initiative that combines exploration with practical solutions to combat plastic pollution, is stepping up by helping communities build simple recycling solutions. By transforming plastic waste into high-value products, the initiative aims to not only mitigate pollution but also create economic opportunities for the community.

In an exclusive interview with Maritime Fairtrade, Simon Bernard, CEO and co-founder of Plastic Odyssey, shared how their mission has evolved and expanded in the Philippines and the wider Asia-Pacific region. 

Plastic Odyssey’s 40-meter research vessel has also sailed across Africa and Latin America, working directly with local communities to tackle plastic pollution. 

In 2024, the expedition’s vessel docked in Manila and Cebu, marking a pivotal moment in their mission to empower local communities with sustainable recycling solutions. The technologies are designed to be more accessible, affordable and adaptable to local needs so that local businesses can implement them without the need for large-scale infrastructure.

Bernard said: “In the Philippines, we have partnered with local organizations to establish community-based recycling initiatives that create economic opportunities while addressing plastic pollution. Programs focus on collecting and processing plastic waste into products for the local market.

“These efforts provide income for waste pickers and small business owners while promoting environmental awareness. By integrating education and hands-on training, we help communities develop sustainable business models that support long-term employment and economic resilience.”

Empowering communities and future leaders

Last year, DELFINGEN Foundation and Plastic Odyssey inaugurated two recycling micro-factories at the Macapagal Terminal in Manila and the Cebu Yacht Club in Cebu. In partnership with CCI France-Philippines, the micro-factories, housed within shipping containers, feature energy-efficient machines capable of converting around 500 tons of plastic waste annually into high-value-added products used for furniture manufacturing and construction industries. 

The micro-factories also feature photovoltaic panels, an energy-efficient solution for decentralized waste management. This initiative aims to provide local communities with practical tools for tackling plastic pollution and promoting sustainable development.

Bernard said: “Our partnership with the DELFINGEN Foundation focuses on creating micro-factories in coastal regions, where plastic waste accumulation is most severe. These micro-factories are designed to be small-scale, energy-efficient, and easily deployable, allowing communities to take control of plastic recovery and recycling. 

“By providing the necessary equipment, training, and business support, we enable local entrepreneurs to develop sustainable waste management solutions.”

Launched in 2024, the France-Philippines United Action announced the second phase of the Youth for Dagat project in March, aimed at empowering students to combat plastic pollution. 

The program gathered students from universities, including the University of the Philippines, Far Eastern University, De La Salle University, Ateneo de Manila University, World Citi Colleges, Adamson University, and Miriam College. The students are invited to become ambassadors for sustainable waste management, promoting recycling solutions within their campuses and local communities. 

Bernard said: “Youth for Dagat is a grassroots initiative that mobilizes young people in the Philippines to take action against marine plastic pollution. Through education, coastal clean-ups, and recycling projects, Youth for Dagat fosters a new generation of environmental leaders. Plastic Odyssey collaborates with this initiative by providing technical expertise, supporting awareness campaigns.”

As part of the initiative’s commitment to capacity-building, the Student Ambassador Program addressed the environmental impact of plastic pollution and explored various solutions. The training includes a lecture on plastic composition, plastic life cycle, effective waste reduction strategies and innovative low-tech recycling solutions.

Moreover, the students will also participate in organizing the Summit on Plastic Solutions, aligning with the United Nations Conference on the Ocean. Stakeholders will discuss and propose innovative strategies to tackle plastic pollution. 

The Design Thinking Workshop aims for students to contribute to the development and implementation of waste management initiatives, including the installation of segregated eco-bins on their campuses.

Upcoming projects such as the Recycling School Project and Recycling Academy target to provide training and incubation opportunities that support local plastic waste management and long-term sustainability.

The Plastic Odyssey vessel. Photo credit: Plastic Odyssey

Aligning with global environmental goals

Bernard said: “Leading up to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, Plastic Odyssey aims to bring tangible solutions to the table by demonstrating concrete, scalable initiatives that effectively reduce plastic waste through innovative recycling and waste management strategies. 

“We will advocate for a significant decrease in plastic production, emphasizing the need for systemic change in manufacturing practices to prevent pollution at its source.”

The initiative also emphasizes the need to strengthen and expand marine protected areas to safeguard ocean biodiversity and reduce the impact of plastic pollution on fragile ecosystems. 

Through collaboration with stakeholders, Plastic Odyssey seeks to promote international commitments and inspire concrete policy actions that drive sustainable change on a global scale.

By addressing the root causes of plastic pollution, particularly through unsustainable manufacturing practices, the organization advocates for reducing plastic production and promoting sustainable materials as alternatives to single-use plastics. 

Empowering entrepreneurs through OnBoard Laboratory

Last year, Plastic Odyssey also conducted two training sessions as part of their OnBoard Laboratory program, an accelerator program for entrepreneurs establishing social plastic recycling enterprises. 

In Manila, the OnBoard Laboratory welcomed 10 participants from diverse backgrounds. One of them was Mica Agregado of Plastics by Manila Automat, a company producing small recycled plastic sheets and offering R&D workshops to assist businesses in designing new products. 

From Cebu, Rodex Rosendo addressed the challenge of collecting three tons of plastic waste daily in a community of nearly 100,000 Filipinos. Currently, the waste is transported to Cebu, which is quite costly due to logistics. Determined to find a more sustainable approach, Rosendo is exploring local solutions to repurpose the waste efficiently.

These training programs cover technical instruction, practical workshops, prototyping of recycled plastic products, field visits, and business model studies to help participants in establishing and scaling recycling ventures. 

Scaling impact: Expansion plans in Asia-Pacific

Looking ahead, Plastic Odyssey is gearing up to expand its operations in the Asia-Pacific region by supporting the growth of new micro-recycling enterprises. Bernard shared that they will further collaborate with governments, NGOs, and local businesses to address plastic waste challenges.

The initiative will also continuously improve its programs for young entrepreneurs, training them to build and grow their recycling businesses to establish and scale recycling ventures. Plastic Odyssey aims to create lasting change in long-term solutions for plastic pollution in the region. 

By empowering local entrepreneurs, investing in youth education, and advocating for global policy reforms, Plastic Odyssey’s work continues as it sets sail in tackling plastic pollution with practical, scalable, and community-driven initiatives.

Top photo credit: Plastic Odyssey/ Lucas Santucci. Simon Bernard, CEO and co-founder of Plastic Odyssey.