January 11, 2023
SAN RAMON, Calif. — CooperVision’s MiSight 1 day contact lenses will now be part of the company’s net plastic neutrality* initiative in the United States. Moving forward, the contact lenses will be net plastic neutral.1,2†
The company has also reached a significant milestone for the initiative: globally, the effort has prevented the equivalent of more than 100 million plastic bottles from entering the oceans.3±‡҂
In 2021, CooperVision pioneered the world’s first net plastic neutral* contact lens with clariti 1 day† in the U.S., and the company has continued to expand the scope of the global initiative.1 It funds Plastic Bank’s collection, processing, and reuse of general ocean-bound plastic waste that is equal to the weight of the plastic contained in designated products in 27 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. In the U.S., this includes the clariti 1 day, MyDay, MiSight 1 day, and Biofinity brands.
“Over the past two years, thousands of eye care professionals and their patients have already contributed to this cause, simply by prescribing and wearing CooperVision 1-day contact lenses. Now, with the inclusion of Biofinity and MiSight 1 day, we are poised to make an even bigger difference,” said Michele Andrews, OD, Vice President, Professional & Government Affairs, Americas, CooperVision.
“We couldn’t be more thankful to everyone who has helped this program become an absolute success — the eye care professionals and wearers across the planet who share CooperVision’s sustainability commitment. Each plastic neutral contact lens that is prescribed and worn makes a difference,” said Aldo Zucaro, Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility, CooperCompanies. “Together, we’re making our oceans, our communities — and our future — better. We already have our sights set on the next 100 million.”
References
* Net plastic neutrality is established by purchasing credits from Plastic Bank. A credit represents the collection and conversion of one kilogram of plastic that may reach or be destined for waterways. CooperVision purchases credits equal to the weight of plastic in clariti 1 day, MyDay daily disposable, Biofinity, and MiSight 1 day orders in a specified time period. Clariti 1 day, MyDay daily disposable, Biofinity, and MiSight 1 day plastic is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens, and the secondary package, including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink).
† clariti 1 day, MyDay daily disposable, Biofinity, and MiSight 1 day orders include products sold and distributed by CooperVision in participating countries.
± Plastic Bank uses 1 kg. of plastic to equal 50 bottles.
‡ Net plastic neutrality is established by purchasing credits from Plastic Bank. A credit represents the collection and conversion of one kilogram of plastic that may reach or be destined for waterway. CooperVision purchases credits equal to the weight of plastic in participating brand orders in a specified time period. Plastic in participating brand plastic is determined by the weight of plastic in the blister, the lens, and the secondary package, including laminates, adhesives, and auxiliary inputs (e.g. ink).
҂ ‘Participating brand orders’ is defined as orders and includes monthly, 2-weekly and 1-Day contact lens products sold and distributed by CooperVision.
1 CVI data on file, 2022.
2 CVI data on file, 2022. U.S. industry reports and internal estimates.
3 CVI data on file, 2022 for a complete list of participating brands by country. Total bottles as derived through Plastic Bank’s impact dashboard through as of 11/16/2022.
