· By Cait W
Turning the tide on ocean-bound plastic
Earlier this month, on June 8, the world came together for World Ocean Day - a global reminder of how much our oceans do for us, and how much we still need to do in return.
It’s no secret that our oceans are in deep trouble. Millions of tonnes of plastic enter them every year, harming marine life, damaging ecosystems, and washing up on shores thousands of miles from where they started. But while the scale of the problem can feel overwhelming, there’s also a wave of hope thanks to the incredible people and organisations rolling up their sleeves (and wetsuits) to tackle plastic pollution head-on.
In this blog, we’re shining a light on just a few of the global initiatives working to clean up our oceans and turn ocean-bound plastic into useful things. Because keeping plastic out of our oceans - and turning it into something useful - is exactly the kind of circular thinking we’re all about.
The Clean-Up Crews
These guys are taking on plastic in a big way - with big tech to match. From massive barriers that collect plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to river interception systems that stop it before it hits open water, The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit on a mission to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. Ambitious? Absolutely. But they’re already pulling tonnes of waste from our seas - and proving what’s possible with the right tools (and a bit of smarts).
Operating in India and Indonesia, Plastic Fischer keeps things grounded - quite literally. They’ve developed low-tech, cost-effective ways to stop plastic flowing into the ocean via rivers. And they don’t stop at collection: they employ full-time local staff to carry out the work, manage waste end-to-end, and build real, lasting impact in the communities that need it most.
Ecoalf - Upcycling The Oceans Initiative
It started with fishermen pulling plastic out of their nets. Now it’s a global movement. ecoalf’s Upcycling the Oceans initiative collects marine waste and transforms it into high-quality materials used for clothing and accessories — all while raising awareness of the plastic crisis. Waste, meet wardrobe.
Repurpose Global (one of our partners in impact)
We love working with organisations that get stuff done. Repurpose Global funds and facilitates waste recovery projects in high-impact areas around the world — turning ocean-bound plastic into new materials and preventing it from ever reaching the water. That’s why we partner with them. Every time you buy from us, we help recover plastic on your behalf. Nice, huh?
From Waste to Whatever
These clever initiatives are turning trash into treasure.
Seaquel Initiative
Think plastic waste has no future? Think again. SEAQUAL transforms marine litter into high-quality yarn and textile solutions. Brands across fashion, interiors, and accessories use SEAQUAL® YARN to create products with purpose. If your new jacket or yoga mat came from the ocean, there’s a good chance SEAQUAL had something to do with it.
Sungai Design
Based in Bali, Sungai Design creates beautiful, functional furniture using recovered river plastic. Each piece is a statement - not just of design, but of what's possible when we look at waste differently. It’s a powerful reminder that plastic pollution can be more than a problem - it can also be part of the solution.
Parley Ocean Plastic
Parley intercepts plastic from coastlines and reworks it into premium materials. Their message is simple: avoid plastic where you can, intercept it where you can’t, and redesign the future of material use.
PawPrint Project
Saving the planet is a team effort - and that includes your dog. The PawPrint Project is an Australian brand that makes planet-friendly pet gear using recycled ocean-bound plastic. From leads to bowls to poop-bag holders, they’re proving that even the smallest swaps can make a difference.
Why it matters to us
At Serious Tissues, our focus has always been on turning waste into something useful. From using recycled post-consumer waste in the UK for our toilet paper, facial tissues, and kitchen rolls, to recovering ocean-bound plastic through our partnership with Repurpose Global - we’re here to prove that circular thinking works.
Plastic shouldn’t be polluting our oceans. It should (and can) be turned into something better. Whether it becomes a t-shirt, a chair, or yarn for clothing, we’re here for it.
Here’s to cleaner oceans, and the people making it happen.