In 2025, The Ocean Cleanup removed over 25 million kilograms of plastic, raising its total recovery to more than 45 million kilograms. While this marks a major operational milestone, it also highlights the scale of the challenge, as an estimated 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.
Progress has been driven by a strategic focus on prevention. Research shows that about 1,000 rivers – just 1% of global river systems account for nearly 80% of ocean plastic pollution. As a result, The Ocean Cleanup has expanded the use of river interceptors to stop waste before it reaches the sea.
Despite these efforts, cleanup alone cannot solve the problem. Long-term impact depends on stronger prevention measures such as improved waste management, better packaging design, and effective regulation.
The organisation’s goal is to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040, supported by its 30 Cities Program, which targets major urban sources of plastic pollution.
