What they do
Parley for the Oceans runs the AIR Strategy: Avoid plastic where possible, Intercept plastic pollution, and Redesign materials and products. The organization operates a global network of cleanup operations that collect ocean plastic, which is then processed into Parley Ocean Plastic, a material used by partner brands (including Adidas, which has sold over 50 million pairs of shoes made with Parley Ocean Plastic). Parley also runs education programs and creative collaborations that bring artists, designers, and scientists together around ocean conservation.
Why they matter
Parley proved that ocean plastic has value, and that proof changed the industry. Before Parley, ocean plastic was waste. Now it is a material that major brands compete to use. The Adidas partnership alone has intercepted hundreds of tonnes of coastal plastic while generating consumer demand for recycled materials. Parley's model transforms cleanup from a cost center into a supply chain, making it economically self-sustaining.
How to support
Purchase products made with Parley Ocean Plastic from partner brands. Participate in Parley's 'Run for the Oceans' annual event, which funds ocean cleanup per kilometer run. Follow their creative collaborations for inspiration. Educators can access their Global Classroom program.
Key project to explore
The Adidas x Parley partnership has produced over 50 million pairs of running shoes using Parley Ocean Plastic since 2016. Each pair uses approximately 11 plastic bottles intercepted from coastal environments, demonstrating that circular economy models can operate at massive scale.