How Cocofloss is Making a BIG Impact with a Small Product
For brands committed to improving their sustainability practices, reducing their reliance on virgin plastic in favor of post-consumer resin (PCR) is an important step. But when their products themselves don’t utilize much, the switch to PCR may not feel impactful enough when compared to the scale of the ocean plastic pollution problem.
The reality is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to plastic action. For some brands, taking a multi-pronged approach can have both benefits to the environment and the brand’s desired outcomes. To further the mission of reducing plastic waste and inspire consumers to join them on that journey, brands can maximize their impact by not only swapping out virgin plastic from their own manufacturing process but also funding plastic reclamation and recycling efforts.
Cocofloss®, who initially made a splash in dental personal care with a sustainability focus, is leading the charge in this arena with their Cocobrush line of toothbrushes. Not only are these dentist-designed toothbrushes made from 98% recycled ocean-bound plastic sourced from the Oceanworks® supplier network, but Cocofloss is also making the Cocobrush’s environmental benefits more significant by orders of magnitude.
Sustainability Without Sacrifice
Cocofloss’s approach to product design recognises the importance of incorporating sustainable practices and recycled materials into their process but hasn’t let those values stand in the way of designing and delivering great product experiences to their customers. Instead, they bring a balanced focus on beauty, health, and sustainability to everything they do.
Cocofloss’ flagship floss offering already boasted compostable packaging, so when the firm explored its options for adding a toothbrush to its portfolio, sustainability was already a key corporate value. However, the requirements for a durable, comfortable toothbrush necessitated the need to rely on plastic for much of the brush’s construction.
Uninterested in contributing further to the creation of more virgin plastic products, Cocofloss sought out an alternative better-aligned with its mission and the preferences of its customer base. This journey led them to Oceanworks, where it discovered IMPAC+ by Oceanworks.
11 x The Impact
To boost the environmental benefits of each Cocobrush purchase, Cocofloss leveraged IMPAC+ by Oceanworks, a plastic offset program designed to make plastic action feasible for any brand in any industry. The result of the Cocofloss effort? For every Cocobrush sold consumers are not only getting a toothbrush made of ocean-bound PCR, they are also funding the removal of 10 additional Cocobrushes’ worth of ocean-bound plastic from the environment.
This notable multiplier is a key element in Cocobrush’s marketing and messaging around the Cocobrush and has their customers excited to contribute to solving this existential problem. Cocobrush customers can not only be assured they aren’t contributing to new plastic pollution, but with the Cocofloss IMPAC+ commitment, they’re helping to fund additional removal of ocean-bound material from the environment.
Armed with advanced technology, appealing designs, fun color options, and a strong sustainability message, Cocofloss is now using their toothbrushes to clean up customers’ teeth and reduce ocean pollution.
Unlike brands relying primarily on virgin plastic, each unit sold carries the mission further by reducing demand for traditionally manufactured toothbrushes while collecting that much more ocean-bound plastic before it can harm our waterways and oceans.
*Calculations are based on recycled materials used in Cocofloss® products only as of October 4, 2022. Energy and emissions savings are based on the differences in outputs between the given resin and a standard virgin material.
Is IMPAC+ Right for your Organisation?
Brands are increasingly turning to plastic offsets; and for good reason. In some instances it’s due to manufacturing limitations or extended time horizons that make switching to PCR a difficult short-term goal. In other instances, brands use Oceanworks IMPAC+ to amplify existing efforts. While “plastic neutrality” should not be considered a silver-bullet solution, Oceanworks believes it’s an important initial step towards brand and manufacturer accountability in the goal of ridding the world of new plastic pollution.
With IMPAC+ plastic reclamation projects already established around the globe, brands can partner with Oceanworks to create a program that meets both their sustainability and campaign goals. Find out whether IMPAC+ is the right program for your brand to supercharge your sustainability efforts and reduce your plastic footprint today.
