Bantam Materials UK Ltd, the supplier of Prevented Ocean Plastic™, has earned full Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) membership after progressing through the foundation stage.
In September 2021, Bantam Materials UK Ltd, the supplier of Prevented Ocean Plastic™, announced it had joined the Ethical Trading Initiative as part of its ambition to drive up standards for recycled packaging products. Bantam was the first ever recycled plastic business to be accepted to the ETI- a leading alliance of companies, trade unions and NGOs that promotes respect for workers’ rights around the globe and ensures member companies instil ethical trading practices.
In December 2024, Bantam progressed to full membership.
Maxine van Bommel, Head of Prevented Ocean Plastic Programme Development, said “We’re so pleased to now be a full member of the Ethical Trading Initiative and look forward to journeying onwards with like-minded organisations. It is a critical moment in time to remain steadfast and continue focusing our energy towards improving the lives of workers globally.”
Upon joining the ETI, all companies go through a two-year foundation period as they establish the core elements of their human rights due diligence approach, supported by structured guidance and direction. Foundation members graduate to full membership once these core elements have been established.
Members are expected to demonstrate commitment, progression and transparency throughout their membership journeys. Full members must then submit annually against ETI’s Corporate Transparency Framework, which sets out public reporting requirements for company members. At both stages, members have the same rights and access to guidance, group sessions, events and supply chain initiatives.
Raffi Schieir, Director of Bantam Materials UK Ltd and Founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic™, said, “The Prevented Ocean Plastic programme has always been committed to elevating standards. The programme was built on the foundation of the ETI basecode, and seeing our level of involvement with the Initiative take this significant step is a great sign that everyone’s efforts are going in the right direction and creating positive impact.”
About PREVENTED OCEAN PLASTIC™:
Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is high quality, certified recycled plastic that has been collected from coastal areas at risk of ocean plastic pollution. Used by supermarkets and brands around the world, it meets regulatory health and safety standards, is traceable back to source and can be identified on-pack through its distinctive triangular logo. Prevented Ocean Plastic™ supply major manufacturing partners such as Groupe Guillin, Spectra Packaging, and Berry Global for offerings across multiple product categories, including food and drink, personal care, pet products and home cleaning. Prevented Ocean Plastic™ is an award-winning, three-time Earthshot Prize nominee, and has collected over 2.5 billion plastic bottles from where they don’t belong since 2020.
