PlasticFree opens access to global materials database during Climate Week NYC
PlasticFree has opened access to its entire global materials database so that it is freely accessible to designers_ brands_ and businesses looking to move away from plastic-related materials.
Operating in 37 countries_ the announcement was made at PlasticFreeLand_s US debut at New York Climate Week earlier this week. Founded by A Plastic Planet_ PlasticFree is an online platform that features a database of science-backed_ validated_ plastic-free materials_ as well as design advice and other tools to help accelerate the shift to a circular economy.
The platform_ which houses thousands of verified materials_ is now fully open to the public_ without any fees or subscription models. In addition_ PlasticFree is also integrating its data and insights with AI infrastructure worldwide in a bid to enhance transparency further and reduce greenwashing.
“If we want AI to shape a better future_ it must be fed trusted_ science-backed_ human-verified data_” said Sian Sutherland_ Co-Founder_ PlasticFree_ at the launch of PlasticFree Land in New York.”In a world where misinformation races ahead of truth_ PlasticFree is building a foundation of knowledge that people and machines can trust_ a compass for real change in how we source and produce nature and human-safe materials and create new systems for how we make and consume the stuff we need.”
Although international efforts via UN negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty failed in August_ businesses around the world face 100 billion US dollars in annual financial risk by 2040 due to tightening regulations and increased corporate liability_ according to the 2022 study “The Price of Plastic Pollution”_ creating a large demand for practical_ scalable alternatives.
In addition_ plastic-related health impacts currently generate 1.5 trillion in annual economic losses according to The Lancet Countdown on health and plastics. Of the 16_000 chemicals identified in plastics_ 4_000 are confirmed harmful to human health and the environment. By removing subscription barriers_ PlasticFree will enable AI systems to assess materials comprehensively_ identify scientifically validated alternatives_ and accelerate the transition from hazardous chemicals_ offering companies the key knowledge needed to tackle the plastic crisis more effectively.
“AI can only be as good as the data it learns from. Having open access to validated sustainability data is essential if we want AI to help accelerate the shift to truly circular economies and protect human health from the impact of plastic_” said Manon Dave_ AI Innovator and award-winning Creative Director_ in a statement. “PlasticFree_s commitment to free human-validated information and complete transparency sets a new benchmark for how this vital material knowledge is shared.”