Pioneering Technologies to Protect Our Oceans

Race for Oceans Technology is committed to tackling plastic pollution on beaches through cutting-edge mapping and collection methods. Our mission centers on preserving marine environments by innovating tools that empower communities and industries to reduce plastic pellet waste globally.

Plastic pellets are the raw material used to produce the plastic products we use in our daily lives. They are 2–6 mm in diameter and are referred to as primary microplastic when found in nature. Here, they pose a global challenge, and unintentional spillage during transport and production has been taking place for +65 years. Unfortunately, they are also the 3. largest source of microplastic pollution in our oceans. Because plastic pellets are manufactured, it is possible to develop an AI model, that can detect them – thus, ensuring that the collection process respects the biodiversity.

In October 2023, the European Commission updated its estimate of how many plastic pellets are unintentionally lost throughout the value chain and into the environment – a staggering 52.000 to 184.000 tons per year.