Acer Commits to Collecting 50 Tons of Plastic Waste From the Environment Through Plastic Bank Partnership
Editor’s Summary:
- Acer partners with Plastic Bank for an Impact Program Partnership to collect 50 tons of ocean-bound plastic[1] in 2024 through its community of collectors in Southeast Asia
- Through this effort, Acer and Plastic Bank will prevent the equivalent of 2.5 million plastic bottles[2] from entering the ocean, tackling the problem of plastic pollution at the source
- The partnership also provides support to under-developed communities by allowing residents to collect plastic and trade it for income, goods, and services to support their livelihood
TAIPEI (April 22, 2024) Echoing this year’s Earth Day theme of “Planet vs Plastics”, Acer has partnered with Plastic Bank and has pledged to collect and recycle at least 50 tons of plastic waste from the environment in 2024. The Canada-based social enterprise focuses on tackling the growing issues of plastic pollution by building recycling ecosystems and creating livelihood opportunities in vulnerable coastal areas.
Acer’s Impact Program Partnership with Plastic Bank is projected to prevent the equivalent of more than 2.5 million plastic bottles[2] from entering the oceans through the efforts of collection members in Southeast Asia. Members bring their collected plastic to Plastic Bank collection branches in exchange for the local market price of the gathered material as well as bonuses that help provide additional income and access to social benefits, like meal vouchers, health insurance, and more.
Acer’s collaboration with Plastic Bank supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 1 for no poverty, SDG 8 for decent work and economic growth, SDG 12 for responsible consumption and production, SDG 14 for life below water, and SDG 17 for partnership for the goals. Acer’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals also include adapting 20-30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastic content in computers and displays by 2025 and working towards the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. Acer has been making strides to incorporate PCR versions of the plastic types used in electronic consumer products with its eco-conscious Vero line, and has reinforced its commitment to carbon neutrality with the launch of its first carbon-neutral PC, the Acer Aspire Vero 16, which debuted in December 2023. Acer will continue to evolve with the industry and changing lifestyles by promoting innovative and eco-conscious solutions for the long-term sustainability of its operations and the environment.
[1] Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) refers to plastic waste of various sizes located within 50 kilometers of the coastline, where there is an inefficient waste management. If these plastics are not collected, they may directly enter the ocean. Source: Solutions for Plastic Pollution | Plastic Bank
[2] Based on an internal study conducted by Plastic Bank: Sustainability Efforts | Understanding Plastic Bank's Impact - Plastic Bank
