The NextWave Plastics Framework for Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains

There are approximately 20 million waste pickers globally who manage 50- 100% of waste in many cities, filling critical waste management gaps. In 2016, waste pickers were responsible for 60% of global recycling.

NextWave Plastics member companies are committed to sourcing ocean-bound plastic (OBP) that not only protects the ocean from plastic pollution, but also ensures that social responsibility protections within these innovative supply chains are inclusive of all the workers involved in waste management.

For this reason, members of NextWave are taking action by creating the NextWave Plastics Framework For Socially Responsible Ocean-Bound Plastic Supply Chains, which provides guidelines to help brands and other organizations provide for the social responsibility of all workers through to the point of collection by asking the right questions, enlisting the right partners, and seeking the best tools and information.

This vision is grounded in the framing provided by the ILO Conventions and UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and is guided by the principles of:

  • Protection and Inclusion for Waste Workers

  • Increased Business Transparency

When the vision is attained, the following key goals will be realized:

  1. Freely Chosen Employment

  2. Fair and Predictable Payment

  3. Beneficial Health and Safety Conditions

  4. Prioritized Child Welfare

  5. Strong Business Ethics, Traceability, and Documentation

  6. Support for Marginalized Populations