What is the Social+ OBP Component Standard?
Integrated into the Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) Certification Program by Zero Plastic Oceans (ZPO), the Social+ OBP Component is an innovative standard focusing on the "human" factor in the plastic waste collection process. It is applied as an add-on module to the OBP Collection Organization and OBP Neutrality Services Provider standards. Its primary goal is to improve the living and working conditions of independent waste collectors—who predominantly work in the informal sector—protect them from exploitation, and help integrate them into the formal societal system. It is designed for organizations that do not just want to protect the environment, but also aim to build a fair, inclusive, and ethical circular economy.
Key Technical Criteria of the Social+ OBP Standard
Going beyond traditional environmental audits, this standard establishes robust social mechanisms that directly benefit waste-picking communities. The technical framework can be summarized as follows:
Independent Collector (IC) Community Manager:
The organization must appoint a dedicated "IC Community Manager" to serve as the primary point of contact between the collectors and the organization, advocating for their rights and addressing their specific needs.
Child Protection:
There is absolute zero tolerance for child labor. However, the standard goes further by mandating that concrete remedial and preventive solutions be provided to keep children out of work and actively support their access to education and childcare facilities.
Occupational Health, Safety, and Empowerment:
Occupational risks faced by collectors must be carefully assessed, and adequate personal protective equipment alongside OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) training must be provided to mitigate these risks.
Additionally, actionable empowerment workshops must be organized to support collectors with administrative, financial, and legal tasks (guiding them toward formalization and legal recognition).
Fair Compensation and Price Premiums:
It is mandatory to provide collectors with fair, timely payments and additional "price premiums" that elevate their standard of living beyond basic market rates. For the organization's own formal employees, full compliance with the ETI (Ethical Trading Initiative) base code is required.
Why Choose Social+ OBP Certification with ETKO?
Environmental protection and social justice are now inseparable concepts. Brands in the global market want to prove that their supply chains are not only "green" but also "humane and fair." Obtaining the Social+ OBP Certificate through ETKO’s international expertise in social compliance and environmental auditing transparently proves to the world that your projects do not merely clean the oceans, but actively fight poverty and positively impact human lives. This prestigious label elevates your brand and collection organization to the absolute highest ethical standards in the industry.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes. ETKO (Ecological Agriculture Control Organization) offers Social+ OBP Component Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic) certification as part of its Plastic Certification program. This page describes the standard, how to apply, and related documents.
- The Social+ OBP Component Standard is an international certification that ensures the welfare, fair compensation, and child protection of ocean-bound plastic…
- Apply through the ETKO Ecoport portal: https://ecoport.etko.com.tr/apply
- ETKO's document center lists regulations, application forms, and current guidelines for this standard: https://www.etko.com.tr/documents?category=plastic&standard=social-obp-bilesen-standardi-ocean-bound-plastic
Does ETKO provide Social+ OBP Component Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic) certification?
What is Social+ OBP Component Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)?
How do I apply for Social+ OBP Component Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic) certification with ETKO?
Where can I find Social+ OBP Component Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic) regulations and forms?
Related certification standards
- OBP Collection Organization Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)The OBP Collection Organization Standard is an international certification ensuring that ocean-bound plastic waste is collected ethically, sustainably, and with full traceability.
- OBP Recycling Organization Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)The OBP Recycling Organization Standard audits the recycling processes and chain of custody of ocean-bound plastics, transparently verifying the OBP content in the final product.
- OBP Brand Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)The OBP Brand Standard is an international certification that verifies ocean-bound plastic claims on consumer products and packaging, ensuring transparency and preventing greenwashing.
- OBP NEU (Neutrality) Services Provider Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)The OBP NEU Services Provider Standard is an international certification that converts the collection and treatment of non-commercially recyclable ocean-bound plastics into a transparent "Plastic Credit" system, verifying brands' plastic neutrality claims.
- OBP Plastic Producers and Users Standard (Ocean Bound Plastic)The OBP Plastic Producers and Users Standard is a transparent certification that audits the chain of custody for facilities using recycled ocean-bound plastics to manufacture intermediate or final products.
Application Process
At ETKO, we manage your application process transparently, quickly, and clearly. Our process consists of the following steps:
01.Application and Information Exchange
We gather preliminary information about your company's structure and production processes.
02.Proposal and Contract
We present a detailed proposal for the inspection process and sign a contract upon your approval.
03.Pre-Audit Preparation
This is the process of preparing the necessary documentation (chemical inventory, social compliance documents, etc.).
04.On-Site Audit
Expert ETKO auditors visit your facility and examine your compliance with the criteria on-site.
05.Reporting and Certification
After non-conformities are resolved (if any), the audit report is approved and your certificate is issued.