Thrive Market, a natural and organic ecommerce retailer, revealed Tuesday it is partnering with Repurpose Global, a company working to reduce plastic waste, to support the recovery of as much nature-bound plastic waste as it uses across its branded product packaging and shipping materials. The grocer also announced that its brands are Plastic Neutral certified.
Through this partnership, Thrive Market supports Repurpose Global’s removal efforts of more than 680,000 pounds of plastic waste by the end of 2023. The projects collect and process low-value plastic waste in India, Kenya, and Colombia before it enters waterways, is openly burned, or is dumped in landfills.
“We have seen the alarming amount of waste generated every day by our industry, so to us, the urgency of the plastic waste crisis was impossible to ignore. Our planet needs us and Thrive Market is making efforts to take urgent action,” said Kristin De Simone, senior mission manager at Thrive Market, in a statement. “Starting with our owned brands and shipping materials is a signal to the broader business and our brand partners that we’re serious about taking responsibility for the plastic in our products and supply chain.”
The two companies will also partner on a Plastic Action Working Group for third-party brands to collaborate and work together to drive industry change. The group will focus on sharing best practices, innovations, and policy updates to inspire other businesses to join in creating a more sustainable future, according to the company.
"We are excited to announce our partnership with Thrive Market and further power their inspiring work in tackling the global plastic pollution crisis. Their commitment to financing the recovery of verified nature-bound plastic waste is a testament to their dedication to sustainability, and we are honored to be a part of their journey. Together, we hope to set an example for other businesses and drive positive change in our industry,” said Svanika Balasubramanian, Repurpose Global’s CEO and co-founder, in a statement.
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