CooperVision recently announced a significant milestone in its pioneering plastic neutrality initiative. The multi-continent programme – in collaboration with Plastic Bank®, eyecare professionals, and contact lens wearers – has now prevented the equivalent of more than half a billion plastic bottles from entering the world’s oceans.1
“Ahead of Earth Day, we are thrilled to celebrate this incredible accomplishment. Practitioners and wearers who choose CooperVision plastic neutral contact lenses have been central to creating such an enormous impact, and we are proud to have partnered with them and Plastic Bank in helping People + Planet,” said Aldo Zucaro, Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility, CooperCompanies.
“Every bottle collected prevents plastic waste from polluting our oceans and land, helping to protect ecosystems and wildlife. Half a billion bottles is an amazing milestone – if you put them end-to-end, you could circle the earth two and a half times.”
In partnership with Plastic Bank, CooperVision funds the collection and recycling of ocean-bound plastic equivalent to the weight of plastic used across a range of its participating soft contact lenses, including the lens, blister and packaging components, that are sold and distributed across 34 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.2
“While the achievement should be celebrated, it is not our end goal – we are always seeking ways to do more,” continued Zucaro. “This journey is ongoing, and we are excited for what’s ahead. Together, we can make an even greater difference for People + Planet.”
Beyond the environmental benefits, CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative elevates the lives of Plastic Bank collector members in hundreds of coastal communities.1 In exchange for the ocean-bound plastic waste they collect, adults receive credits to purchase goods and services, including health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, grocery vouchers, school supplies, and more.3 Plastic Bank also provides vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye examinations and spectacles for eligible Plastic Bank collection members.4
As a leading manufacturer of contact lenses, CooperVision is continuously working to minimise its environmental impact and operate more sustainably around the globe. This includes efforts that extend well beyond plastic neutrality. The company has a strong track record of sustainable manufacturing and operations resulting in award-winning conservation efforts in Puerto Rico5 and prestigious sustainability certifications in Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Spain, the UK, and the US.6,7 At the center of CooperVision’s sustainability platform is its commitment to design with intention and embrace innovation as a means for caring for People + Planet.
References
- CVI data on file as of 04/2025.
- CVI data on file, 2025.
- How Plastic Bank Works. A Social Fintech | About Us | Plastic Bank. Accessed March 18, 2025.
- Plastic Bank data on file, 2024.
- CooperVision. CooperVision Production Site Receives Environmental Sustainability and Occupational Health & Safety Honors. https://coopervision.com/our-company/news-center/press-release/coopervision-production-site-receives-environmental. Accessed March 18, 2025.
- SCS Global Services Certificate Nos. SCS-ZW-0008, SCS-ZW-0011, SCS-ZW-0012, SCS-ZW-0014, SCS-ZW-0018, SCS-ZW-0019.
- CVI data on file, 2024. US Green Building Council. Building Research Establishment.
