CooperVision announced a significant milestone in its pioneering net plastic neutrality initiative.1^The multi-continent program—in collaboration with Plastic Bank®, eye care professionals, and contact lens wearers—has now prevented the equivalent of more than half a billion plastic bottles from entering the world’s oceans.*2
“Ahead of Earth Day, we are thrilled to celebrate this incredible accomplishment. Practitioners and wearers who choose CooperVision net 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,”10 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.†3
“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.”~10
Beyond the environmental benefits, CooperVision’s net plastic neutrality initiative elevates the lives of Plastic Bank collector members in hundreds of coastal communities.3 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.4 CooperVision also provides vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye examinations and spectacles for eligible Plastic Bank collection members.11
CooperVision and Plastic Bank have been partners since the initiative’s start in 2021. A mini-documentary series filmed on site in Indonesia highlights different aspects of the collaboration, with episodes available at www.CooperVision.com/Bali.
As a leading manufacturer of soft contact lenses8, CooperVision is continuously taking steps in manufacturing and distribution to operate more sustainably, striving to eliminate waste to reduce environmental impact.9. This includes efforts that extend well beyond net 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 U.K., and the U.S. ‡§6,7At the center of CooperVision’s sustainability platform is its commitment to design with intention and embrace innovation as a means for caring for People + Planet9.
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^Range defined as all 1-day brands and segments: sphere, toric and multifocal
~Refers to CooperVision’s plastic neutrality initiative with Plastic Bank
*CooperVision, through its collaboration with Plastic Bank, to have collected and converted approximately 10.26M kg of plastic destined for waterways as of April 2025. Using Plastic Bank’s metric of 1kg of plastic equaling 50 standard 202mm bottles, that will be the equivalent of approximately 513M plastic bottles not reaching our oceans.
† Plastic used in participating CooperVision soft contact lens products is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens, and the secondary package, including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink). The determination does not include plastic used during the manufacturing process for both these products and their packaging.
‡ Zero Waste Program Certification is obtained through SCS Global Services, an international leader in third-party certification, validation, and verification for environmental sustainability.
§ LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. BREAM: Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology
References
1 CVI data on file, 2021, 2020-2020 Plastic Bank Contract Agreement.
2 CVI data on file as of 04/2025.
3 CVI data on file, 2025.
4 How Plastic Bank Works. A Social Fintech | About Us | Plastic Bank. Accessed March 18, 2025.
5 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.
6 SCS Global Services Certificate Nos. SCS-ZW-0008, SCS-ZW-0011, SCS-ZW-0012, SCS-ZW-0014, SCS-ZW-0018, SCS-ZW-0019.
7 CVI data on file, 2024. US Green Building Council. Building Research Establishment.
8. CVI data on file, 2020. Based on number of parameter options available in the USA across all soft lenses from the 4 main manufacturers as reported by Tylers Quarterly Sept 2020.
9. CVI data on file, 2024
10. CVI data on file, 2023
11. Plastic Bank data on file, 2024
Click HERE for the press release.
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