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A circular plastic solution for cruiselines

July 25, 2023

#tide ocean material_Maritime Procurement Services_Partnership_Circular Ecocomy_Thomas Schori

The cruise industry supports global tourism, allowing individuals to experience multiple cultures, topographies and marine species in a short period. But the line of tourism is also producing waste. When it comes to plastic, most of it ends up in landfills, which we know can be harmful to the environment, and without a closed-loop system, it ends up in the ocean.

In a groundbreaking move to tackle these urgent environmental challenges, Maritime Procurement Services (MPS), a leader in ship-generated waste management, and we from #tide® have joined forces to create Tide Ocean (MPS) LLC. This new partnership leverages the unique strengths of both organizations to address two urgent issues of our time: ocean-bound plastic pollution and the responsible management of operational plastic waste generated by cruise ships.

MPS is a reputable waste management service and the exclusive sustainability partner for the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), specializing in ship-generated waste across 13 ports in Mexico, adhering to the international MARPOL regulations.

“We are witnessing a crucial turning point in how we perceive and manage waste in the cruise industry,” says Alejandro Trillo, CEO of MPS. “This partnership demonstrates that businesses can be both profitable and make a significant contribution towards preserving our environment.”

“Tide Ocean (MPS) LLC is poised to fundamentally change our ability to protect our oceans,” says Thomas Schori, CEO and Founder of #tide®. “We are giving new life to what was once considered waste, creating a positive ripple effect that goes beyond reducing plastic waste, contributing to local economies, and helping to restore the health of our marine ecosystems. We have already established our solution in Asia, thanks to MPS we are now able to bring it to the American continent.”

This process not only keeps plastic waste out of our oceans but also promotes a new circular economy, reducing our dependence on the production of new plastic.

In addition to tackling marine plastic pollution, the partnership will redefine how the cruise industry manages its operational plastic waste. This comprehensive solution includes the collection, sorting, and up-cycling of a wide range of plastic types generated on board cruise ships, not only diverting large volumes of waste from landfill, but also returning these materials to the production cycle.

Kick-off in Ensenada, Mexico

The partnership is set to kick-start operations immediately in Ensenada, followed by the commencement of operations in Puerto Vallarta in October 2023 and in Progreso and Cozumel in the second quarter of 2024. As well as extending their reach to major cruise ports and coastal cities in Mexico, Tide Ocean (MPS) LLC aims to extend its impact to the wider Caribbean region.

“Our innovative model ensures traceability from source to product, providing cruise industry partners and their customers with the confidence that their waste is managed responsibly,” adds Trillo. “By participating in this initiative, cruise lines can significantly advance their efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050.”

By providing robust solutions for both marine and operational plastics, Tide Ocean (MPS) LLC is an example of the innovative action needed to protect our oceans. We invite all stakeholders in the cruise industry to join us in this critically important mission.

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