Topcentral “Ocean Partner” Project Selected for 2025 ESG Light Award TOP 15

ESG | Empowering the Blue Economy and Driving ESG Innovation – Topcentral’s “Ocean Partner” Project Selected for the 2025 Light Award TOP 15

In August, after weeks of rigorous background checks and public opinion research, the 2025 Light Award | Directory of Purpose-Driven Enterprises was officially released. A total of 224 companies, including Topcentral New Materials Co., Ltd., were successfully listed. Following this, an expert jury composed of authoritative specialists from various fields conducted a fair and transparent review of the application materials based on established evaluation criteria.

Recently, the 2025 Light Award ESG Sustainable Development TOP 15 was officially announced. Among the finalists was Topcentral’s pioneering initiative – the “Ocean Partner” Marine Pollution Governance Innovation Ecosystem. The award recognizes outstanding ESG practices, with evaluations divided into three categories: Environmental (E), Social (S), and Governance (G).

Tackling the Global Challenge of Marine Plastic Pollution

Marine plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing global environmental challenges. Each year, around 20 million tons of plastic waste flows into the ocean, with abandoned fishing gear making up a significant portion. Traditional remediation methods often prove insufficient and unsustainable in the long term.

In response, Topcentral launched the “Ocean Partner” project, an innovative ecosystem designed to create a complete closed-loop solution for marine pollution management, covering the entire process from “collection” to “rebirth.”

Innovative Technology for Full Transparency

The project leverages IoT and blockchain technology to ensure full lifecycle traceability from collection to reuse. Consumers can simply scan a product’s QR code to trace its journey “from the ocean to the shelf.” This level of transparency builds consumer trust, enhances supply chain accountability, and reinforces sustainability commitments.

Carbon Credit Incentives to Drive Participation

One of the project’s highlights is its carbon credit incentive system. Fishermen and the public earn points by participating in plastic recovery efforts. These points can be redeemed for recycled goods such as T-shirts, tote bags, and other everyday products. This innovative mechanism significantly boosts participation, creating a positive cycle of environmental protection.

To date, the initiative has collected more than 1,700 tons of marine plastic waste across 11 coastal points in Ningbo and Zhoushan. Through advanced recycling technologies, these plastics are transformed into high-value products that command a market premium of over 50% compared to conventional plastics. The project’s downstream output value is expected to exceed tens of millions of RMB, proving that environmental protection and economic benefits can go hand in hand.

Community Engagement and Volunteerism

Beyond technological innovation, Topcentral actively fosters multi-stakeholder engagement in marine conservation. The company established the “Ocean Partner Volunteer Service Team”, comprised of fishermen, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. They regularly organize activities such as beach clean-ups and the “I Am a Little Ocean Guardian” program, encouraging public participation and environmental stewardship.

Future Opportunities and Global Recognition

With its selection into the 2025 Light Award ESG Sustainable Development TOP 15, the “Ocean Partner” project will participate in an online roadshow and review session in late September. This will serve as a unique platform to showcase the project’s value to a wider audience and attract potential collaborators.

The project has already been included in the “Blue Recycling” program of the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment for replication and promotion. It also contributed innovative marine pollution governance solutions to the China Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka World Expo. These achievements demonstrate the project’s replicability and scalability. During the upcoming roadshow, judges will focus on its measurable ecological impact, inclusive participation mechanisms, and innovative business model.