NPO Clean Ocean Ensemble Unifies Marine Debris Sorting Criteria into 11 Categories

NPO Clean Ocean Ensemble (Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture, Co-Representative Directors: Yuki Egawa, Hidenori Tanaka), an organization working towards solving the marine debris problem, has unified its sorting criteria for marine debris into 11 categories, commencing operation on July 1, 2026.

The organization is engaged in collecting marine debris, conducting surveys to understand its types and weight, and recycling the collected debris.

Through these three activities conducted on-site, it was determined that there was a need to update the classification criteria to make sorting easier during collection, facilitate comparison of survey data, and promote recycling.

By unifying the classification names, display order, and Japanese/English notations, marine debris can now be sorted, weighed, and recorded using the same standards, regardless of the activity location or participants.

This will enable data comparison across different regions and time periods, improve the efficiency of collection activities, and promote recycling.

11-Category Sorting Table

11 Categories of Marine Debris

Styrofoam

Plastic Bottle

Rigid Plastic (PP)

Soft Plastic (PE)

Balls

Fishing Tackle

Fishing Equipment

Bottles & Glassware

Cans

Iron & Lead

Other (including Mixed Items)

* "Other" includes mixed items that are difficult to classify into a single category, such as those composed of multiple materials.

Furthermore, "Fishing Tackle" and "Fishing Equipment" are treated as separate categories to understand differences in their use and origin.

Operation Commences July 1, 2026

The new 11 categories will be used in beach cleanups, marine and river debris collection, and marine debris surveys conducted after July 1, 2026.

The data accumulated through these common classification standards will be utilized for comparing the types and quantities of marine debris by region and activity period, understanding drift trends, improving collection activities, and considering recycling methods.

Clean Ocean Ensemble is recruiting companions to change the future together.

Clean Ocean Ensemble continues to take on daily challenges with the aim of realizing a world free of marine debris. To further advance this initiative, we need your support.

Please support and participate in the following ways:

● Support through Donations/Sponsorships

Donations received will be used for installing marine debris collection equipment, developing data processing tools, and continuing on-site activities. One-time donations and participation as a monthly supporter are both welcome.

▶ Details here: https://donation.cleanoceanensemble.com/

For corporations, collaboration is possible as part of CSR activities, including logo placement on our website, issuance of collection support certificates, and joint PR.

▶ Details here: https://cleanoceanensemble.com/support/partner/

● Participate as a Volunteer/Pro Bono

Our organization is seeking individuals who can utilize their skills in the following areas:

IT Engineer

Marketing

Sales & Sponsorship Partner Support

Human Resources

Field Engineer (Shodoshima)

For those who wish to learn more, we hold monthly pro bono information sessions, so please join us.

We also accept questions about our organization's activities and other matters besides pro bono participation.

▶ Pro Bono/Volunteer Information Sessions here: https://peatix.com/group/12922636

Organization Overview

- Name: NPO Clean Ocean Ensemble (NGO Clean Ocean Ensemble)

- Address: 986 Sakatekou, Shodoshima Town, Kagawa Prefecture

- Established: December 2020

- Representative Directors: Yuki Egawa, Hidenori Tanaka

- Main Countries of Activity: Japan, Timor-Leste

- Official Website: https://cleanoceanensemble.com/

- Official SNS: https://cleanoceanensemble.com/support/follow/

The organization's name embodies the message: Clean (clean) Ocean (sea) Ensemble (together with many people).