Recycling company Nextek has recently developed new technology, which is helping to clean up the South Pacific Ocean.

Nextek sea vessels scoop up the waste from the surface of the ocean, returning accidentally captured wildlife back to the sea. The plastic is then decontaminated because it soaks up chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and oil residue. Once clean, the material is converted to liquid fuel, which is then used instantly to power the boat’s engines.

Some of the converted fuel is given to local islanders. “This way, they do not cause any oil spillage importing it and they can also save money,” says Edward Kosior, founder of Nextek. “At the same time, we’re cleaning up the sea and not putting any plastic into landfill.”

Edward Kosior has been involved in plastics and rubber technology for the past 30 years. He established Nextek to provide new technical solutions to the environmental and recycling challenges facing the polymer industry.

Four million tonnes of plastic currently litters the South Pacific. This is enough to fill an area twice the size of Texas. If it was all converted, this would produce 20 million barrels worth of oil. “It would generate more fuel than our boats can consume,” Edward explains.

Contact: www​.nextek​.org

Edward Kosior. Photo: courtesy of Nextek

First published in Positive News Hong Kong