Every minute, 19 tonnes of plastic waste enter our oceans. The damage to the environment and marine life is devastating. Addressing this challenge is urgent, and action cannot wait.
That is why Stephenson Harwood (Paris) is proud to support Plastic Odyssey, a non-profit organization undertaking a three-year global expedition to combat plastic pollution. Aboard its 128-foot vessel, the team is travelling across three continents and visiting 30 cities to promote research, education and innovative recycling solutions that can be replicated worldwide. Our lawyers provide pro bono legal advice to Plastic Odyssey on complex laws and governance issues linked to this unprecedented expedition. As Guillaume Briant, M&A partner, and head of the dedicated team across Paris, Singapore, London and Hong Kong, explains: “It’s an immense privilege to support Plastic Odyssey on its journey around the world. The intersection of technology and environmental protection is something we’re passionate about at Stephenson Harwood.”
Plastic Odyssey’s activities range from operating an on-board research lab and running educational programs, to helping establish local recycling micro-factories. The vessel also carries innovative technologies – including a pyrolysis unit that transforms plastic waste into usable fuel during stopovers – to demonstrate the value that can be created from waste.
Currently on the coast of Africa, Plastic Odyssey has already launched several pilot projects and supported more than 500 local entrepreneurs. Over the next five years, the aim is to establish 200 micro-factories to create sustainable solutions and economic opportunities.
“During a stopover in Dakar, not only was I struck by the plastic pollution in cities, but I was impressed by the ingenuity of the people there. I kept telling myself that if we could share simple technologies to turn plastic into something useful and valuable, not only would this pollution disappear, but thousands of jobs would be created.”
Through this collaboration, our firm reaffirms its commitment to sustainability, responsible business practices, and the protection of the environment – values that are central to who we are.
