Reusable drink bottle brand Frank Green has officially kicked off its long-term partnership with global environmental organisation and impact network Parley for the Oceans in a bid to protect Australia’s coastline and the ocean from plastic pollution and other environmental threats.
Since partnering with Parley for the Oceans in late 2023, Frank Green and its community have raised close to $25,000 through customer donations and contributions through the sales of its reusable drink bottles, coffee cups and homewares.
Through the partnership, the cult drink bottle brand, which was founded in 2013 by CEO Benjamin Young, will raise awareness about ocean conservation and preservation globally, while also getting involved with the Parley AIR Strategy to deliver community education, plastic interception, material science and eco-innovation projects.
According to Parley’s website, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans, with the annual cost of environmental damage to marine ecosystems estimated at $13 billion.
Speaking with SmartCompany, Frank Green founder and owner Benjamin Young said the brand is single-minded about empowering people to make simple and sustainable choices for a better future, and Parley for the Oceans is the perfect partner.
“Our commitment extends to restoring and preserving the ocean from the devastating impact of single-use plastics. And to be frank, we need to,” Young says.
“As a purpose-driven business, I’m thrilled we’ve found our match in a not-for-profit that just like us uses innovation, creativity and design to find solutions to help and empower people to make more sustainable choices.
“After 10 years, we know that we’re better together than trying to go this alone.”
When asked about what the partnership will involve, Young says when Frank Green commits to something, the brand goes deep into it.
In this case, working with Parley aligns with the “values that have been driving the business since day one”, says Young.
“We both believe that creativity, collaboration and eco-innovation can change the world,” he says.
In addition to continuing to provide financial donations to Parley, Frank Green as a business and its employees will take the AIR Strategy pledge.
There will also be future product collaborations, says Young, and Frank Green employees and customers will take part in Australian coastal clean-ups.
“I’m personally really excited about the opportunity to explore Parley’s network working at the forefront of sustainable solutions for materials and how this can be integrated into our business,” says Young.
“Our partnership with Parley is absolutely crucial in raising awareness and continuing education on ocean conservation and preservation globally delivering projects focused on real action, community education, plastic interception, material science and eco-innovation.”
Frank Green has a growing team of approximately 300 employees, particularly in its global markets, and the brand has sold tens of millions of products since it launched in 2013. These products are now sold in thousands of retail stores and cafes around the world.
For Frank Green, protecting Australia’s coastline and ocean from plastic pollution is everything.
“It’s our mission to do so and we take it seriously,” he says.
“As a brand that’s taking our sustainability message to the world, we’re deeply proud of our Australian heritage.
“We feel a deep responsibility to protect our environment and that’s what motivated me to start Frank Green.”
Parley for the Oceans founder and CEO Cyrill Gutsch said Parley is proud to partner with Frank Green on this mission to help shift mindsets, and behaviours and work together to strategically create new systems while cleaning up the beautiful coastal environments of Australia.
“We all have a role to play. We look forward to inspiring positive change and action with this new partnership,” he says.
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