Event report
Past Event | Plastic Odyssey: From Pollution to Ocean Restoration
Throwback on exclusive Fireside Chat between Simon Bernard, CEO and Co-Founder of Plastic Odyssey, and Sylvie Gleises, CEO Asia at AXA XL, sponsored by our Sustainable Business Committee Partner, ENGIE.
The event offered a deep dive into Plastic Odyssey's bold mission to fight plastic pollution globally. Since launching from Marseille on October 2nd, 2022, the expedition has been on a three-year journey, traveling to some of the most affected coastal countries. Their unique approach is rooted in social entrepreneurship, focusing on "turning waste into an opportunity".
Key Takeaways:
The discussion highlighted Plastic Odyssey's dual strategic pillars: “Clean Up the Past”: This pillar focuses on recycling existing plastic, primarily through the deployment of micro-recycling factories worldwide – and “Build the Future”: This pillar involves reducing new plastic use by using tools like an onboard laboratory and nomadic expos to drive behavior change and challenge misconceptions about plastic pollution.
Beyond Philanthropy: The conversation emphasized the need for companies to move beyond traditional giving to find more impactful and innovative ways to partner with organizations like Plastic Odyssey. This includes integrating both the "Clean Up the Past" and "Build the Future" objectives into their core business strategies.
The Corporate Role in Scaling Impact: Corporations are crucial for scaling up micro-recycling initiatives and can contribute in many ways, including by supporting financially.
Lessons for Singapore and the Future: Simon Bernard shared his on-the-ground perspective, offering specific lessons that a highly urbanized society like Singapore could adapt to address its critical waste reduction goals. The chat concluded with a look ahead to future ambitious initiatives, such as the Impossible Cleanup Program, which Plastic Odyssey is set to launch in 2026 in partnership with UNESCO, targeting remote World Heritage marine sites.
Should you have any questions on the event or on our Sustainable Business Committee, please kindly contact Alexia Duvernoy at aduvernoy(@)fccsingapore.com
