Back

Review

2024: A record-breaking year for The Ocean Cleanup

Rotterdam, Netherlands

In 2024, The Ocean Cleanup made significant progress toward ridding the world’s oceans of plastic. From scaling up their work in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) to expanding river cleanup efforts globally, every milestone brought us closer to solving this critical environmental challenge.

Over 11 million kg of plastic removed

This year, The Ocean Cleanup removed 11.5 million kilos of plastic from oceans and rivers. This total surpasses the amount collected in all previous years combined. In April, the company celebrated a significant milestone: 10 million kg of waste extracted. This achievement was the result of 6 years of river and ocean operations. Only 7 months later, last November, they reached an astounding 20 million kg of plastic removed.

Progress in the great pacific garbage patch

System 03 played a central role in advancing their ocean cleanup operations in 2024. With 112 extractions, the firm refined its efficiency, reliability, and safety for marine life. In September, they confirmed that the cleanup of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is not only possible but also achievable at a projected cost of $7.5 billion.

Preventing plastic at its source

Their mission goes beyond cleaning the oceans; The Ocean Cleanup also works to stop plastic from entering waterways in the first place. This year, the company expanded our river interceptor network to key regions:

  • Bangkok: The Interceptor Original began work on the Chao Praya River as part of a multi-year initiative to reduce plastic pollution in the Gulf of Thailand.
  • Guatemala: The deployment of Barricade XL at the Rio Motagua marked a significant step in protecting the Gulf of Honduras, home to the world’s second-largest coral reef.
  • Jamaica: They installed Interceptor 015 in Kingston’s Sandy Gully, one of the country’s largest waterways.

Innovation and impact

This year, The Ocean Cleanup continued to find new ways to maximize the impact of their mission. From scaling up operations to exploring opportunities to turn plastic debris into meaningful products with their partners, they demonstrated the importance of integrating science and technology in tackling marine plastic pollution.

Why this work matter

Removing plastic debris helps protect marine ecosystems, improves the livelihoods of coastal communities, and reduces harm caused by microplastics in the food chain.
Research remains the foundation of our work. In 2024, the company continued addressing critical scientific gaps, helping policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions to combat plastic pollution.

www.theoceancleanup.com

PETnology's Resource Guide
comPETence center

The comPETence center provides your organisation with a dynamic, cost effective way to promote your products and services.

Find out more

Cover
Our premium articles
comPETence
magazine

Find our premium articles, interviews, reports and more
in 3 issues in 2025.

Find out more
Current issue