Project Overview
Oceanic Global, in partnership with the Aeolian Islands Preservation Fund and Marevivo, has been instrumental in supporting the ban on single-use plastics on the islands of Lipari and Panarea. This initiative, which went into effect on January 10th, 2020, resulted in a municipal ban on the use, sale, and marketing of single-use plastic items, including straws, stirrers, cups, plates, bowls, utensils, and bags. The project not only facilitated the implementation of this local law but also aimed to exceed the minimum requirements set by the subsequent EU law enacted in January 2021, taking a more ambitious and holistic approach.
As of October 2021, nine businesses on the islands earned recognition through the Blue Standard, with most receiving the 2-Star Blue Seal, while La Bitta achieved the prestigious 3-Star Plastic-Free Blue Seal for fully eliminating single-use plastics. Other Blue Verified businesses include Avant Garde, Chicco Tosto, Da Francesco, Dolce e Salato, Eden Bar, F.lli D’Ambra, La Precchia, Pesaresi, Piccolo Bar, La Terrazza sul Mare, and White Beach.
Impact & Next Steps
A unique aspect of this project has been the collaboration with local suppliers. Given that a single core supplier serves approximately 80% of the businesses on these small islands, the initiative’s impact extends far beyond the nine Blue Verified businesses. By engaging with and evolving the catalogs of these suppliers to offer sustainable alternatives, the project has influenced the broader market.
In addition to the elimination of single-use plastics, the project also focuses on improving waste management infrastructure, which is particularly crucial for island communities. Local consultants are working closely with businesses to connect approved sustainable vendors with local distributors, making plastic-free alternatives more accessible. However, given the current waste management challenges on the islands, reusable solutions are being prioritized as the most effective alternatives. This ongoing work continues to roll out across Lipari and Panarea, with future opportunities to further enhance waste management on the islands.
