The Core Report #822 How a 16 Year Old Started the Mission to Clean the Oceans | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report
Mar 13, 2026
Boyan Slat, founder and CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, turned a teenage dive shock into a global cleanup mission. He discusses large ocean systems and river interceptors, recycling and disposal strategies, tech like AI for deployment, challenges in places like Mumbai and Jakarta, and ambitious targets to drastically cut plastic entering the seas.
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How A Scuba Dive Sparked A Global Mission
- Boyan Slat began The Ocean Cleanup after a scuba dive in Greece at 16 where he saw more plastic bags than fish.
- That shock launched years of research leading to a two-pronged strategy: clean ocean accumulations and stop plastic in rivers.
Ocean Catch Is Recyclable And Can Be Valorized
- Ocean-collected plastic is relatively homogenous and highly recyclable, enabling partnerships to valorize material.
- Example: Kia uses some reclaimed plastic for electric car components, creating reuse revenue streams.
Combine Funding Streams To Cover €100M A Year
- Fundriver deployments through mixed models: philanthropy, sponsorships, valorizing waste and local government support.
- Operating a fleet across ~1,000 polluting rivers costs ~€100 million/year, a relatively low global bill for vast impact.