HP and IKEA join Global Coalition to clean up our Oceans

NextWave Plastics will be getting some extra support – with the addition of IKEA and HP joining the global open-source initiative – in their efforts to clean up the oceans of plastic waste.

Both IKEA and HP are looking to make waves when it comes to supply chain sustainability initiatives. Their extensive global networks of suppliers make them very impactful actors in the domain, considering their potential reach in social, environmental and financial issues.

HP has previously joined forces with First Mile Coalition to clean up plastic waste, and created a comprehensive reverse supply chain, using bottles taken from the waters of Haiti. On the same day they released the information that they will be joining in on NextWave, “the tech giant announced it has sourced 250 tonnes of ocean-bound plastics from Haiti — that’s more than 12 million plastic bottles that are being up-cycled into Original HP ink cartridges instead of entering the Caribbean Sea — and created more than 600 income opportunities for adults in the country” (Sustainable Brands 2018).

IKEA, a global leader in the retail sector, has made big promises in their 2030 sustainability initiative. “In June 2018, IKEA announced its updated sustainability strategy, with new commitments to become people and planet positive by 2030” (Sustainable Brands 2018).

These are two organizations that have seen the writing on the walls. 

Sustainable Brands reported that there is currently more than 86 million tonnes of plastic in our ocean. “And each year, up to 12 million tonnes of new plastic will enter the ocean” (Sustainable Brands 2018). Clearly, cleaning the ocean is a priority. The true essence of supply chain sustainability is when the act of cleaning up turns to reuse and recycling.

Large brands are expected, by the general public, to have sustainability initiatives and goals to impact global change, but taking steps to create real change are easier said than done. Green washing has become a common occurrence in our currently polarizing world of fast-food consumerism and instantaneous media feeds. Unfortunately, marketing sustainable efforts doesn't address the real issues our environment is facing. Our oceans are one of those environmental issues that has clearly been ignored for long enough.

Supply chain activities are a perfect domain to create change at scale, and that’s why so many organizations – amongst various business sectors – have decided to join coalitions (such as NextWave), focused on supply chain sustainability.

It’s easy to turn a blind eye to the issues that are occurring far away from home, but the action of large brands like IKEA and HP bring those issues to light a little closer to our own shores.

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