Turning the Tide: OCEANR and Plastic Fischer Partner to Stop Ocean Plastic

At OCEANR, we believe in partnerships that drive tangible change and this year, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting collaboration with Plastic Fischer, a German-based social enterprise on a mission to stop plastic pollution in rivers and prevent it from reaching our oceans. With operations spanning Vietnam, India, and Indonesia, their impact is nothing short of inspiring.

One of their key focus areas? Bandung, Indonesia, a vibrant and densely populated city on the island of Java. Flowing through this metropolis is the Citarum River, which, despite its critical role in the ecosystem, is one of the most polluted rivers in the world.

Together with Plastic Fischer, we’re determined to change that.

Plastic Fischer: Pioneering Innovation

In 2019, founders Karsten and Moritz made the bold decision to relocate to Bandung to address the plastic crisis head-on. Armed with a vision and a determination to make a difference, they developed the TrashBoom, a simple yet highly effective floating barrier that captures the majority of plastic waste from the river. This innovation has proven vital in the fight against riverine pollution, complementing efforts by the Indonesian national army, which has been working tirelessly since 2018 to restore the Citarum River’s health.

The OCEANR Commitment: 25 Tons of Impact

We’re proud to support Plastic Fischer’s work by funding the collection of 25 tons of river plastic this year and we’re just getting started. Through our “25 in 25” campaign, we aim to double that impact, reaching 50 tons with the help of our brand partners. To achieve this, we’re sponsoring our very own TrashBoom system in the Citarum River, maximizing our collective efforts to make a measurable difference.

People-First Impact

Plastic Fischer’s approach isn’t just about the environment, it’s about empowering people too. Since September 2021, they’ve provided full-time employment to 14 local workers, many of whom had never experienced formal employment before. These team members receive:

• Fair wages with timely payments
• Interest-free loans
• Social benefits
• Health insurance

By creating stable jobs and supporting their employees, Plastic Fischer is building a sustainable model that uplifts both the planet and its people.

A Circular Economy in Action

Plastic Fischer’s impact goes beyond collecting plastic, it’s about closing the loop. To date, they’ve removed over 280 tons of plastic from the Citarum River and its tributaries. After collection, the materials are taken to their sorting facility, where they’re dried, separated, and processed.

• Recyclable plastics are sold to local recyclers, re-entering the supply chain.
• Non-recyclable materials are responsibly co-processed according to international standards.

This holistic approach ensures that every piece of waste is managed with care, preventing further harm to the environment.

Together for a Cleaner Future

At OCEANR, sustainability is more than a commitment, it’s at the heart of everything we do. By partnering with Plastic Fischer, we’re not only addressing the pressing issue of river plastic but also contributing to a cleaner, healthier future for our oceans, wildlife, and communities.

As we look ahead, we invite our partners and supporters to join us in amplifying this impact. Together, let’s turn the tide on plastic pollution.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey with Plastic Fischer and our progress toward collecting 50 tons of plastic in 2025. Let’s make waves together.