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Expert answers to the most frequently asked questions about Ocean Bound Plastic certification, standards, and programs
Quick Reference: OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) certification is developed by Zero Plastic Oceans, launched June 8, 2020. The program has five standards across two subprograms (Recycling and Neutrality), plus a Social+ Component. Certification is available worldwide to any organization type. This FAQ covers the top 10 most common questions with answers grounded in official OBP program documents.
Top 10 OBP Certification Questions
Q: What is OBP certification?
A: OBP (Ocean Bound Plastic) certification is a program developed by Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), a non-profit NGO, to encourage the removal of abandoned plastic waste from the environment before it reaches oceans. Launched on June 8, 2020 in collaboration with Control Union Certifications, the program certifies the collection, recycling, and neutralization of Ocean Bound Plastic through independently audited standards available at obpcert.org.
Q: What is the difference between OBP Recycling and OBP Neutrality?
A: The OBP Recycling Subprogram is for commercially recyclable OBP — plastic that can be collected and sold to recyclers at a viable price. It certifies the chain of custody from collection through recycling to brand use using the COL-STD, REC-STD, and BRA-STD standards. The OBP Neutrality Subprogram addresses non-commercially recyclable OBP that cannot be sold attractively. It uses OBP Credits where plastic producers or users fund collection and treatment of an equivalent volume of OBP. Organizations may certify for one or both subprograms as they are complementary solutions.
Q: What are the OBP certification standards?
A: The OBP program has five main standards: OBP Collection Organization Standard (COL-STD V2.2, released September 8, 2025, compulsory from December 8, 2025); OBP Recycling Organization Standard (REC-STD V2.3); OBP Brand Standard (BRA-STD V1); OBP Neutralization Services Provider Standard (NEU-STD V2.2); and OBP Plastic Producers and Users Standard (PRO-STD V1.2). There is also a Social+ OBP Component for organizations providing enhanced social benefits to workers and informal collectors.
Q: How much does OBP certification cost?
A: OBP certification costs vary depending on the standard, facility size, number of sites, and Certification Body (CB) fees. Zero Plastic Oceans publishes a fee structure document (OBP-FEE-CON) available on the obpcert.org website. Costs typically include an application fee, annual certification fee, and CB audit fees. Organizations should contact approved CBs for specific quotations based on their scope and size.
Q: How long does OBP certification take?
A: The timeline depends on the organization's readiness and the applicable standard. Typically, the process takes 2-4 months from application to certification. Key steps include: implementing the standard requirements, document preparation, auditor scheduling, on-site audit, non-conformity resolution (if any), and certificate issuance. Certification is typically valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Q: Can GRS and OBP be audited together?
A: Yes. According to OBP-FAQ-GUI V1.5 (section 3.2), it is possible to audit GRS and OBP together. The OBP program covers upstream traceability in the Collection Organization Standard, while GRS covers downstream chain of custody through recycling and manufacturing. However, it is important to note which certification module the client has applied for. Combined audits can reduce costs and audit fatigue for organizations holding multiple certifications.
Q: Who can apply for OBP certification?
A: Any type of organization can apply — for-profit, non-profit, governmental, or non-governmental. The program covers organizations involved in collecting abandoned plastic (Collection Standard), processing OBP into recycled materials (Recycling Standard), using OBP in products or making OBP claims (Brand Standard), providing neutralization services (NEU-STD), or offsetting plastic footprints (PRO-STD). The standards are applicable worldwide.
Q: What records must OBP certified organizations keep?
A: According to OBP-COL-STD V2.2 (section 5.2d), certified organizations must keep documentation proving conformity to standard requirements. Records of previous audits must be kept for at least 4 years. Required records include: methods and procedures, collection site lists, daily collection records, final disposition registers, annual weight summaries, sales records, non-conformity records, training materials, and brand mark usage approvals.
Q: What is the Social+ OBP Component?
A: The Social+ OBP Component is an additional certification for organizations collecting OBP that want to demonstrate enhanced social benefits to their employees and informal collectors (Independent Collectors). It requires fair wages above minimum levels, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment of waste pickers. Organizations certified under the Social+ Component can use the Social+ OBP label to communicate their social responsibility commitment.
Q: Can OBP certified material be used alongside other recycled materials?
A: Yes. According to OBP-FAQ-GUI V1.5, final products can be certified as both OBP and under other recycled material standards like GRS or RCS simultaneously. The OBP program also has a Recognition of other Standards and Audits document (OBP-ROS-GUI) that provides guidance on recognizing other certifications. The Recycling Organization Standard covers processing of OBP into recycled materials that can be blended with other recycled content.
Quick Facts About OBP Certification
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Program Owner | Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), non-profit NGO |
| Launch Date | June 8, 2020 (World Oceans Day) |
| Standards | 5 standards: COL-STD V2.2, REC-STD V2.3, BRA-STD V1, NEU-STD V2.2, PRO-STD V1.2 |
| Subprograms | Recycling Subprogram + Neutrality Subprogram + Social+ Component |
| OBP Categories | Shoreline OBP, Waterways OBP, Fishing Material OBP |
| Geographic Scope | Worldwide |
| Certification Validity | Typically 3 years, with annual surveillance audits |
| Document Retention | Minimum 4 years |
| Website | www.obpcert.org |
Conclusion
OBP certification offers a credible, independently verified framework for organizations committed to preventing ocean plastic pollution. With two subprograms addressing both commercially and non-commercially recyclable plastic, five standards covering the full supply chain, and a Social+ Component for social responsibility, the program provides flexible pathways for organizations of all types and sizes worldwide.
For more detailed information, refer to the official OBP documents available at www.obpcert.org, including the individual standards, definitions guide, fee structure, and FAQ document (OBP-FAQ-GUI V1.5).
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- Zero Plastic Oceans. OBP Collection Organization Standard V2.2 (OBP-COL-STD V2.2 EN). September 2025. obpcert.org
- Zero Plastic Oceans. OBP Frequently Asked Questions V1.5 (OBP-FAQ-GUI V1.5 EN). February 2025. obpcert.org
- Zero Plastic Oceans. OBP Program Definitions and Annexes (OBP-DEF-GUI). obpcert.org
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