CooperVision expands net plastic neutral contact lens initiative into Hong Kong

Now, a total of 34 countries and territories are assisting in the company’s alignment to People + Planet. Image credit: CooperVision

CooperVision has expanded its net plastic neutral contact lens initiative into Hong Kong. Now, a total of 34 countries and territories are assisting in the company’s alignment to People + Planet, a learning and collaborative space for global development professionals that delve into the intersections between human population, health, and the environment, according to a news release. The net plastic neutral contact lens initiative is part of CooperVision’s partnership with Plastic Bank.¹

“With every expansion, we can make an even bigger difference. Our net plastic neutrality initiative is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together,” said Aldo Zucaro, senior director of Corporate Responsibility at CooperCompanies, in the release. “Thanks to the continued support of eye care professionals and wearers around the world—now including Hong Kong—we’re turning everyday actions into meaningful impact for the environment and communities in need.”

CooperVision’s partnership with Plastic Bank began in 2021, making the company the first contact lens manufacturer to provide a full range of net plastic neutral lenses. The partnership works by CooperVision funding the collection and recycling of ocean-bound plastic equivalent to the weight of plastic used in participating products sold and distributed across participating countries. The program has recycled more than 513 million plastic bottles.¹

According to CooperVision, the company’s “net plastic neutrality initiative elevates the lives of Plastic Bank collector members in hundreds of coastal communities.” Citizens in each participating country is able to collect ocean-bound plastic waste and exchange it for goods and services, including health, work and life insurance, digital connectivity, grocery vouchers, school supplies, and more. Eligible Plastic Bank collection members can also take advantage of a vision care program that provides vision screenings and vouchers for complimentary eye examinations and glasses.¹

Additionally, CooperVision has launched a companion video series that educates viewers on the company’s partnership with Plastic Bank. Videos range in topics, from providing an overview of the initiative to a day in the life of a collector member. In the most recent episode, Bali is cited as one of the partnering countries where plastic pollution is high.² Over the past 10 years, Bali has been one of the many coastal countries that has seen a significant rise in the amount of plastic that washes ashore. Beaches in Kuta and Legian are now getting up to 60 tons of plastic trash washed up each year. To combat plastic waste pollution, the Indonesian ministry of Tourism has set up and support projects in Bali to create “greener tourism” on the island. Additionally, Wayan Koster, the governor of Bali, has issued a ban on single-use plastic in December 2018, which also banned straws, plastic bags, and Styrofoam.³

Ni Luh Made Karisih, one of Bali’s Plastic Bank collector members, said she is teaching her grandchildren to remain mindful of how they are disposing plastic. “Cleanliness has to be maintained so that Bali remains beautiful in the eyes of the world,” she said in the episode.²

Episodes can be viewed on CooperVision’s website, with more scheduled to release in the coming months.¹

References:

1. CooperVision expands net plastic neutral contact lens initiative into Hong Kong, premieres new video in series. News release. CooperVision. August 4, 2025. Accessed August 12, 2025.

2. Our impact in Bali. CooperVision. Accessed August 12, 2025. https://coopervision.com/about-us/coopervision-sustainability/our-work/bali

3. Plastic trash: A global tragedy. Bali.com. Accessed August 12, 2025. https://bali.com/sustainable-traveler/bali-plastic-problem/