Exporting Ocean-bound Plastic Feedstock to the US — Sustainable Brand Procurement

Ocean-bound plastic feedstock is transforming how US sustainable brands source raw materials, turning discarded plastic waste from coastal regions into high-value recycled content. This page serves US procurement professionals and sustainability officers seeking reliable, certified feedstock from Latin America and Africa, where collection infrastructure is rapidly scaling. You will gain a detailed understanding of product specifications, supplier landscapes, buyer requirements, certifications, and pricing dynamics, plus how Coppermont connects vetted suppliers to discerning buyers.

The Role of Ocean-bound Plastic in US Supply Chains

Ocean-bound plastic (OBP) refers to plastic waste at risk of entering waterways, typically collected within 50 kilometers of coastlines. For US sustainable brands, OBP feedstock offers a dual advantage: it meets ambitious recycled-content targets while contributing to measurable environmental impact—preventing marine pollution. Major consumer goods companies, packaging manufacturers, and textile producers now incorporate OBP into their products, driving demand for consistent, high-quality feedstock. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Global Commitment has pushed over 500 organizations to increase recycled plastic use, with OBP playing an increasingly prominent role [1]. US imports of plastic waste and scrap, including OBP, totaled over 200,000 metric tons in 2023, with a value exceeding $100 million, according to USITC data [2].

Product Specifications and Grades

Ocean-bound plastic feedstock is not a single commodity but a category defined by collection source, polymer type, and processing stage. The most common polymers in OBP are PET, HDPE, LDPE, and PP, each with distinct applications. Feedstock is typically sold as baled waste, washed flakes, or reprocessed pellets. Key specifications include:

• Polymer composition: Single-stream (e.g., PET bottles) or mixed-stream (commingled plastics). Single-stream commands higher prices due to easier recycling.
• Contamination levels: Measured as percentage of non-target materials (e.g., metal, paper, organic residue). Premium feedstock has <2% contamination; standard grades allow up to 5%.
• Moisture content: Typically <1% for flakes/pellets; bales may have 5–15% depending on collection conditions.
• Color sorting: Clear/natural, mixed colors, or sorted by color. Clear PET flakes are most valued for food-grade applications.
• Density: Flakes range from 0.3–0.5 g/cm³; pellets are denser at 0.9–1.4 g/cm³.
• Intrinsic viscosity (IV): For PET, IV of 0.7–0.8 dL/g is standard for bottle-grade rPET; lower IV for fiber applications.

ASTM D7611-20 provides standard practice for coding plastic manufactured articles, but OBP-specific standards are emerging. The Ocean Bound Plastic Certification (OBPC) program, developed by Zero Plastic Oceans, defines OBP as plastic waste collected within 50 km of a coastline or waterway [3]. For US buyers, adherence to FDA regulations for food-contact applications is critical when feedstock is used for packaging.

LATAM and Africa Supplier Landscape

Latin America is a major source of ocean-bound plastic feedstock due to its extensive coastlines, developing waste management systems, and proximity to US markets. Key supplier countries include:

• Mexico: With over 9,000 km of coastline and a growing recycling sector, Mexico exported $15 million worth of plastic waste to the US in 2023. Companies like PetStar (Mexico City) process post-consumer PET bottles into food-grade rPET, often sourced from coastal regions [4].
• Colombia: Colombia’s recycling rate for plastics is around 30%, with OBP collection programs in cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla. The country exported approximately $8 million in plastic scrap to the US in 2023.
• Brazil: Brazil has a robust informal recycling sector, with coastal states like Bahia and Rio de Janeiro generating significant OBP. Brazilian plastic waste exports to the US were valued at $12 million in 2023.
• Peru: Peru’s coastline and the Amazon basin contribute to OBP volumes, with small-scale cooperatives supplying washed flakes to exporters.

In Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have emerging OBP supply chains, often supported by NGOs and social enterprises. For example, the Plastic Bank in Kenya collects OBP and issues blockchain-verified credits. However, logistics and certification consistency remain challenges compared to LATAM suppliers.

Supplier capabilities vary widely: some offer baled waste only, while others provide washed flakes or pellets. US buyers increasingly require third-party certification (OBPC or equivalent) to verify collection zones and chain of custody. Due diligence is essential, as informal collection networks can introduce quality variability.

US Buyer Types and Procurement Practices

US buyers of ocean-bound plastic feedstock fall into several categories, each with distinct procurement criteria:

• Consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies: Giants like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, and PepsiCo have committed to using 25–50% recycled content by 2025. They typically source food-grade rPET or HDPE pellets, requiring FDA letters of no objection (LNO) and supply chain audits.
• Packaging manufacturers: Companies producing bottles, containers, and films seek consistent polymer quality, color, and melt flow index. They often contract for 12-month supply agreements with quality guarantees.
• Textile and apparel brands: Brands like Patagonia and Adidas use OBP for polyester fibers. They prioritize low-contamination PET flakes with defined IV for spinning.
• Building materials producers: Companies making composite lumber or panels accept mixed-polymer feedstock with higher tolerance for contamination.

Procurement processes typically involve: (1) submitting a request for quotation (RFQ) with specifications, (2) evaluating supplier certifications and audits, (3) negotiating pricing based on LME or regional indices, and (4) conducting trial runs. Many buyers require compliance with the Basel Convention for transboundary movement of plastic waste, though OBP feedstock is often classified as non-hazardous under OECD regulations [5].

Certifications and Import Requirements

Importing ocean-bound plastic feedstock into the US requires adherence to several regulatory and voluntary standards:

• Ocean Bound Plastic Certification (OBPC): Issued by Zero Plastic Oceans or approved third parties, this certifies that plastic was collected within 50 km of a coastline or waterway and meets traceability requirements. The certification includes annual audits and chain-of-custody documentation [3].
• FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN): For rPET or rHDPE used in food packaging, suppliers must have an FCN or letter of no objection from the FDA, demonstrating that the recycled material meets purity standards for food contact.
• Basel Convention Compliance: While the US is not a party to the Basel Convention, it adheres to the OECD Council Decision on transboundary movements of waste. Exporters must provide documentation that feedstock is non-hazardous and destined for recycling, not disposal.
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Importers must classify plastic waste under HTS codes 3915.10.00 (PET), 3915.20.00 (PE), or 3915.90.00 (other plastics). Duties range from 0% to 5.3% depending on origin and trade agreements. USMCA countries (Mexico, Canada) may qualify for preferential rates.
• California Prop 65: For brands selling into California, feedstock must comply with Proposition 65 limits on heavy metals and phthalates, requiring testing certificates.

Voluntary certifications like ISCC PLUS or SCS Recycled Content Verification add credibility and are increasingly demanded by brand sustainability teams.

Pricing and Lead Time Context

Pricing for ocean-bound plastic feedstock is influenced by virgin resin prices (typically benchmarked against LME or Platts), collection and processing costs, and certification premiums. General ranges as of mid-2025:

• Baled OBP (mixed colors, PET/PE): $150–$350 per metric ton FOB port of origin.
• Washed PET flakes (clear, food-grade): $400–$700 per metric ton FOB.
• rPET pellets (food-grade): $800–$1,200 per metric ton FOB, depending on IV and color.
• rHDPE pellets (natural): $700–$1,000 per metric ton FOB.

Lead times typically range from 4 to 8 weeks from order to shipment, depending on collection cycles and processing capacity. Ocean freight from LATAM (e.g., Colombia to US Gulf Coast) takes 5–10 days; from West Africa, 15–25 days. Buyers should account for potential delays due to port congestion or documentation issues.

How Coppermont Connects Suppliers to Buyers

Coppermont acts as a strategic intermediary for ocean-bound plastic feedstock trade between Latin America, Africa, and the US. We vet suppliers for certification compliance, product quality, and export readiness, then match them with US buyers seeking reliable, auditable feedstock. Our services include:

• Supplier verification: We audit collection zones, processing facilities, and certification documents.
• Contract facilitation: We help negotiate pricing, payment terms (typically LC or 30–60 day net), and quality specifications.
• Logistics coordination: We arrange freight, customs clearance, and documentation for smooth importation.
• Market intelligence: We provide buyers with pricing benchmarks, supplier ratings, and regulatory updates.

For suppliers, we offer access to US buyers who value transparency and long-term partnerships. For buyers, we reduce the risk of sourcing from informal markets. Contact us to discuss your feedstock requirements or to list your certified OBP supply.

Ready to Source or Supply Ocean-Bound Plastic Feedstock?

For suppliers: List your ocean-bound plastic feedstock with Coppermont and connect with verified US buyers. Submit your product details and certifications today.

For buyers: Source certified ocean-bound plastic feedstock for your sustainability goals. Send us your specifications, and we’ll match you with vetted LATAM or African suppliers.

References

[1] Ellen MacArthur Foundation. “The Global Commitment 2023 Progress Report.” 2023. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/global-commitment-2023/overview

[2] US International Trade Commission. “US Imports of Plastic Waste and Scrap.” USITC DataWeb, accessed June 2025. https://dataweb.usitc.gov/

[3] Zero Plastic Oceans. “Ocean Bound Plastic Certification Standard.” Version 2.0, 2024. https://www.zeroplasticoceans.com/obp-certification

[4] PetStar. “Sustainability Report 2023.” 2024. https://www.petstar.mx/en/sustainability-reports

[5] OECD. “OECD Council Decision on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes Destined for Recovery Operations.” OECD Legal Instruments, 2023. https://legalinstruments.oecd.org/en/instruments/OECD-LEGAL-0266