Jointly developed solution: Circular Ocean-bound Plastic (COP)
This publication brings together the knowledge, methods and practical experience developed throughout the Circular Ocean-bound Plastic (COP) project into one transferable approach. Based on research and field testing across Aarhus, Gdańsk and Rostock, the methodology connects the entire value chain – from identifying litter hotspots and monitoring waterways to collection, sorting, cleaning, material assessment and finding realistic routes for reuse or recycling.
Rather than prescribing one technology or solution, the report provides an evidence-based decision framework that can be adapted to different cities, waterways and local conditions. A key lesson from COP is that collection alone is not enough: understanding where litter comes from, documenting what is collected and assessing the quality of recovered materials are all essential if ocean-bound plastic is to move from waste towards a potential resource.
The result is a practical, cross-border methodology that captures the combined experience of the COP partnership and provides a foundation for others looking to prevent plastic leakage while exploring opportunities for circular use.
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