Our impact
Stopping the flow of plastic pollution
We believe in healthy seas and a healthy future, freed from plastic.
We know the tools already exist to tackle the majority of plastic pollution. But decision-makers need access to resources and information.
We recognise that plastic is a multi-generational issue, so we must educate and empower future generations to deliver lasting change.
We work with countries that are most affected by plastic, particularly SIDS and small coastal countries, supporting a just transition to a future freed from plastic pollution.
Our impact in 2025
56,243 tonnes
potential annual reduction in plastic pollution
762 professionals
upskilled, building capacity and expertise
1,869 schools
taking action on plastic pollution in 59 countries
Recent highlights from our programmes
Government partnerships
Collaborating with governments, especially Small Island States, to identify and accelerate the most effective policies to significantly reduce plastic pollution.
- Five SIDS complete policy roadmaps to tackle plastic pollution
- Regional EPR report published with contribution of 8 expert organisations and Regional EPR Vision paper published with 40+ endorsers
- 7 international NGOs collaborating on National Plans in the Global Plastics Treaty
- 4 high-level international events hosted (INC5, UNOC, INC-5.2, IUCN World Conservation Congress)
Health research
Working with leading scientists to research and understand the health risks of plastics to guide policy-makers and others to make changes that protect human health.
- Nature roundtable, convening 60 participants from science, NGOs, and industry. The event exposed gaps in research, underscored the need for interdisciplinary approaches, and reinforced Common Seas’ credibility through partnership with Nature, opening opportunities for joint activities and publications.
- We supported City2Sea and nuud gum campaigns to raise awareness of plastics in chewing gum and advocate for a UK ban, engaging young people from Plastic Clever Schools
Education for action
Equipping educators and young people with the knowledge and resources to build ocean literacy and empower a growing global community of student-led action on plastic waste.
- Endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Project
- 1345 evidence submissions for Plastic Clever Schools in 2025
- 16 new publications: French, Dutch and Indonesian PCS resources, EYFS ocean literacy lesson package, Global PCS templates, KS1 and KS2 lesson packages complete in English and Greek
- 500+ educators upskilled; 1,800+ schools engaged in 2025
What's next?
Join us in building a future freed from plastic pollution.