What is the OBP Collection Organization Standard?

Developed by the NGO Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), the OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) Certification Program is a global initiative aimed at stopping marine plastic pollution at its source. Approximately 80% of plastic waste in the oceans originates from land. The OBP Collection Organization Standard is a specific module of this program focusing entirely on the "collection" phase. It ensures that plastic waste accumulating in areas without effective waste management infrastructure—specifically within 50 kilometers of shorelines—is collected in an environmentally safe, socially just, and transparent manner before it reaches the ocean.

Key Technical Criteria of the OBP Collection Standard

This standard regulates not only the physical collection of plastics but also the welfare of waste pickers and the strict traceability of the materials. The technical framework can be summarized as follows:

• OBP Scope and Geographical Boundaries:

  • The collected waste must originate from areas at high risk of leaking into the ocean (beaches, riverbanks, or land within 50 km of the coast lacking efficient waste management).

  • The waste must consist of abandoned micro or macro plastics.

• Social Responsibility and Fair Trade:

  • The standard fiercely protects the rights of waste pickers, who often operate in the informal sector.

  • There is zero tolerance for child labor. It is mandatory to provide fair and timely wages, adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe, hygienic working conditions for the collectors.

• Environmental Impact Management:

  • Plastic collection activities must not harm the local ecosystem, wildlife, or flora/fauna. The collection process must be executed with strict regard for ecological balance.

• Traceability and Chain of Custody:

  • The volumes of collected OBP, along with exact collection locations and dates, must be meticulously recorded.

  • The collected plastics must be verifiably transferred (invoiced and tracked) to OBP-certified recycling facilities. This strict tracking prevents conventional plastics from being falsely claimed as OBP (greenwashing).

Why Choose OBP Collection Organization Certification with ETKO?

Protecting the oceans is one of today's most critical global objectives, and global brands are under pressure to prove that the recycled plastic in their products is genuinely "ocean-friendly." The OBP Collection Organization certification process, conducted by ETKO’s expert auditors, provides internationally recognized verification that your on-the-ground collection activities are ethical, environmentally sound, and fully traceable. This certificate is the most powerful way to prove to recyclers and global brands that you are a transparent supplier of premium, impact-driven raw materials.