Video: How lobster shells could replace single-use plastics

Think about how many different pieces of technology the average household has purchased in the last decade. Phones, TVs, computers, tablets, and game consoles don’t last forever, and repairing them is difficult and often as expensive as simply buying a replacement. Electronics are integral to modern society, but electronic waste (e-waste) presents a complex and growing challenge in the path toward a circular economy–a more sustainable economic system that focuses on recycling materials and minimizing waste. Adding to the global waste challenge is the prevalence of dishonest recycling practices by companies who claim to be recycling electronics but actually dispose of them by other means, such as in landfills or shipping the waste to other countries.

Good for the planet. Good for business. We are working to minimize environmental impact and operate more sustainably because it is the right thing to do—for our employees, our customers, our business, and our planet. From production improvements designed to conserve water to efforts that recycle nearly 100% of the plastics used in production, CooperVision is prioritizing environmentally responsible practices across four key areas: water, energy, recycling, and people. Saving water Working continuously to reduce consumption, increase conservation, and protect vital resources. Learn more » Conserving energy Finding ways to minimize energy consumption, utilize clean energy resources, and share best practices with like-minded companies. Learn more » Reducing, reusing, recycling Minimizing our impact by using less and recycling more of the materials needed to make and distribute our products. Learn more » Empowering people Supporting our employees and local communities through programs that encourage individual stewardship and promote an environmentally conscious workplace. Learn more » Earning Prestigious LEED Certification in Costa Rica Our 100,000 square-foot contact lens manufacturing facility in Alajuela, Costa Rica has been awarded the prestigious LEED Silver certification for its environmentally-conscious design and operation. Learn more » BREEAM Certified in the UK Our United Kingdom facility is rated “Excellent” by BREEAM UK, a third-party certifying body that recognizes sustainable and socially responsible places to work. Our goal is simple: Do better every day. From award-winning conservation efforts in Puerto Rico, to earning sustainability certifications in Costa Rica, Spain and the UK, to operating with 100% renewable electricity resources at three Rochester, NY area sites, we’re making sustainability a priority in the many places where we do business. CooperVision sustainability measures may vary from facility to facility, owning to site-dependent external and internal factors.