We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluating the Social Value of a Marine Plastics Upcycling Project in Japan
AI summary Read the abstract
A Japanese social enterprise upcycling marine plastic waste into accessories while employing people with disabilities achieved a Social Return on Investment ratio of 3.50, with media reach and employment income comprising the largest value components — despite processing only 50 kg of plastic annually. This case study illustrates how community-scale marine plastic collection initiatives can generate significant social and environmental value even at modest volumes, complementing industrial-scale microplastic remediation approaches.
Marine plastic pollution poses severe ecological and economic threats, while people with disabilities (PwDs) often face limited meaningful employment opportunities. This study evaluated a unique social enterprise in Japan that addresses both challenges through upcycling marine plastic waste into accessories while providing employment for PwDs. Using the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology, we assessed the project’s social and environmental impacts over one year (2020). Data was collected through stakeholder surveys, interviews, and operational records. The analysis identified 15 outcomes across six stakeholder groups, including income generation, environmental awareness-raising, and sustained volunteer engagement. The project achieved an SROI ratio of 3.50, indicating that every JPY 1 invested generated JPY 3.50 in social value. Media exposure (30.5%), employment income (25.6%), and volunteer motivation (18.5%) comprised 74% of the total value. Despite processing only 50 kg of marine plastic annually, the project demonstrated significant symbolic impact through behavior change and public awareness. Key challenges include limited production capacity, wage constraints, and gender-biased consumer demographics. This case illustrates how small-scale, community-based upcycling initiatives can generate multidimensional social value by integrating environmental conservation with social inclusion objectives.
More Papers Like This
Converting Plastic Waste into Assets: A Scalable Social Enterprise Framework for Sustainable Accessories
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers designed a business model that turns plastic waste into fashion and household accessories, aiming to keep hundreds of tons of plastic out of landfills each year while creating local jobs, especially for women and young people. This matters beyond just cleaner communities: less plastic sitting in landfills and waterways means less of it breaking down into microplastics that can end up in our water, food, and eventually our bodies. While the project is still in the pilot stage, it offers a promising, repeatable model for tackling plastic pollution through business rather than just recycling programs alone.
Plastic Bank, Canada: social plastic to create sustainable business
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers describe how Plastic Bank's social enterprise model creates economic incentives for low-income collectors in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Haiti to intercept ocean-bound plastic waste by exchanging collected plastic for cash, healthcare, and education benefits—effectively coupling plastic pollution reduction with poverty alleviation.
The Marine Plastic Litter Issue: A Social-Economic Analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Using the DPSIR framework, this study analyzed marine plastic litter pollution as a social-economic issue, finding that fewer than 10 peer-reviewed studies had applied this policy-relevant analytical model to ocean plastics, and identifying management response gaps in food security, transport, and shelter contexts.
Socio-ecologies of Plastic Bottle Waste (PBW) and the Development of Ecoprenuerial Initiatives in Contemporary Nigerian Society
AI summary Read the abstract
This study is not directly about microplastics — it examines plastic bottle waste recycling economies and entrepreneurship in Nigeria, focusing on socioeconomic factors rather than microplastic contamination or health effects.
Assistance in Processing Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Strapping Waste into Economically Valuable Handicrafts for The Community of Dayu Village, Gondangrejo Subdistrict, Karanganyar Regency
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a community service activity in Dayu Village, Karanganyar Regency, to assist residents in processing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strapping waste into economically valuable handicrafts. The intervention addressed local unemployment and low skills by providing practical training in plastic upcycling, demonstrating a community-based approach to plastic waste valorization.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.