StokedPlastics

Ocean Plastic, Hype or Hope? ?? Recycled ocean plastics sound like the perfect sustainability solution for products like outdoor and action sports gear. But the reality is more complex. ? They repurpose waste, keep plastic out of landfills, and support cleanup initiatives. ?? But for brands, ensuring quality, consistency, and scalable production can be challenging. At ANCORD, we’ve explored how ocean plastics perform in real-world products with groups like Ocean Legacy Foundation, whose Legacy Plastic program ensures high-quality resins for manufacturing. Using a patent-pending process, they clean, segregate, and refine recovered materials—making plastics like PP, HDPE, LDPE, and Nylon 6 viable for new gear and equipment. Another company pushing this forward is StokedPlastics, founded by James Merrill, which transforms ocean-bound plastic into high-performance materials. Their work bridges the gap between environmental responsibility and premium product design—proving that sustainability and performance don’t have to be at odds. The takeaway? Sustainable materials need more than just good intentions—they need reliable sourcing, performance testing, and brands willing to invest in long-term impact. Where do you stand on recycled ocean plastics—game-changer or greenwashing risk? — I’m Alex Nagel, Founder of ANCORD Design Co — we're a sustainable product design firm specializing in action sports and outdoor gear. Follow me for weekly insights into the intersection of design and the environment ?? — ?? Ocean Legacy Foundation #sustainableproductdesign #productdesignfirm #industrialdesign #designstrategy #ancorddesignco

LinkedIn Outdoor Community! Calling all SALE REPS!! Opolis Optics needs to continue riding this wave of momentum! Please share with your community! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ??Find the Stoke, and get Stoked with Opolis??? We're looking for passionate Sales Reps who believe in sustainability and want to make an impact in the Outdoor Industry. Be part of a revolutionary eyewear company featured on NPR's "How I Built This," winner of the Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award, and partner to outdoor retailer giants like REI, L.L. Bean, Paragon Sports. Shoot us a DM or email us at?[email protected]?and help us shape a sustainable future! #JoinOpolis #SustainableEyewear #OutdoorCareers #InnovateAndServe StokedPlastics / Maine Outdoor Brands / A New Earth Project / Outdoor Research / Outdoor Retailer / The Daily by Outdoor Retailer / 1% for the Planet / The Momentum

?? White-House Executive Orders Impact SBIR/STTR Programs - Already ?? We recently celebrated a milestone at StokedPlastics as we were cleared to submit a formal proposal to the SBIR and STTR Programs within the Department of Energy Office of Science. This approval was a significant affirmation of our innovative technology and the hard work of our dedicated team. However, our excitement was short-lived. Shortly after receiving this approval, our CSO, Asheesh Ravikumar Lanba, received shit news from the NSF. "All review panels, new awards, and fund disbursements under open awards are currently paused as the agency conducts necessary reviews and analysis." This pause is a result of swift policy changes by the new administration that have impacted climate initiatives with an unexpected speed. Having spent over a decade as a Government Contractor, I have experienced the typically slow pace of policy and executive orders firsthand, which was a driving factor in my decision to leave and seek change at a faster, more impactful rate. To witness the rapid implementation of decisions that could potentially regress our progress is not just disheartening but deeply frustrating. Hopefully, this is only a "pause" and not a complete shut-down. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for the private sector, individual citizens, and companies to step up and bridge the gaps left by fluctuating governmental support. Our planet and our communities are relying on the innovation and resilience of the private sector. We at StokedPlastics remain committed to pushing forward, despite these obstacles, and we urge you to join us in supporting sustainable innovations and striving for a healthier planet. Let’s come together during these challenging times and continue to drive positive change. #StokedPlastics #Sustainability #Innovation #ClimateAction #SBIRSTTR #DOEScience #RenewableEnergy #CallToAction

StokedPlastics, Opolis Optics and I have been selected as a finalist for the Entrepreneur of Impact! If selected we will be featured in?Forbes receive a one-on-one mentoring session from?Daymond John, and take home 25k. Voting for this amazing honor starts today and every vote matters. Please follow the link to help us secure this award and to continue our amazing work that we are doing for people and planet! https://lnkd.in/gPkHbJs5 Thank you! James

Exciting Announcement! After six years of unwavering commitment to authenticity and transparency, we are embarking on a new chapter in our sustainability journey. I am delighted to announce our partnership with A New Earth Project for sourcing planet-friendly product packaging. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission at Opolis Optics and StokedPlastics to promote sustainable practices across our entire supply chain. A New Earth Project is dedicated to eliminating plastic pollution from our world's oceans, lakes, and rivers. By teaming up with them, we ensure our packaging shares the same sustainability ethos as our products. All packaging from the New Earth Approved Catalog is: ?? Curbside Recyclable or Compostable ?? Made from Renewable Resources ?? Safe for Wildlife and Ecosystems This is a significant step in our continuous pursuit to be the #1 most sustainable eyewear company on the market. Together, let's unwrap the future, not the waste. ?????? Thanks do Don Meek for leading this charge and the rest of the amazing team for upping our sustainable game! #Sustainability #Partnership #ANewEarthProject #Opolis #StokedPlastics Atlantic Packaging #EcoFriendlyPackaging Momentum

Plastic pollution leads to Violent Extremism in the developing world. Yes, you heard me correctly.? This is a fact and something that I have seen firsthand and addressed for 10 years living and working as a US government contractor for USAID, in some of the most complex and dangerous places in the world. While the narratives and research around what plastic pollution is doing to our planet, our biodiversity and health is vital in tackling and exposing the petroleum and gas industry this narrative is unknown. Outside of what I uncovered on the ground there's a substantial body of research indicating the correlation between environmental degradation, including plastic pollution, and socioeconomic challenges faced by marginalized communities. These communities, often located in areas with limited economic opportunities, can become hotspots for the recruitment of individuals into violent groups. One reason, the biggest reason, behind this correlation is the lack of formal waste management systems in these regions, leading to significant plastic pollution. This problem is heightened by the global issue of waste being exported from wealthier countries to less developed nations. The accumulation of waste can lead to negative health outcomes, contaminate water supplies, and ruin potential agricultural land depriving these communities of livelihood opportunities. Lack of economic opportunities and the struggle for survival can make marginalized individuals more susceptible to recruitment by extremist organizations, which often provide a sense of belonging, purpose and, in some cases, financial incentives. In our effort to help our planet PEOPLE need to be the focus so that those most impacted by plastic pollution can join our global effort in holding responsible parties accountable and aid assist in taking care of our beautiful home we call Earth. ?? A New Earth Project / Coast Film & Music Festival / Opolis Optics / StokedPlastics #Sustainability #PlasticPollution #EcoFriendly #ZeroWaste #Recycling #CircularEconomy #ClimateChange #GreenLiving #OceanConservation #ReduceReuseRecycle #EnvironmentalProtection #CleanSeas #PlasticFree #SustainableLiving #WasteManagement #SaveOurOceans #EcoInnovation #PlasticWaste #SustainableDevelopment #GreenBusiness #EarthFriendly #oceanconservation #recycle

Stoked to have Sam Louis at the Blue Earth Summit this week to connect with likeminded brands, companies, leaders and investors to solve the world most pressing climate issues! If you are attending please make sure to DM Sam!

StokedPlastics and I are extremely excited to announce that we have been selected to join 6 other epic outdoor industry founders/startups (BlackHeart Bike Company, Earthy, Geyser Systems, Native Campervans, Po Campo, ) to attend the invite only Outdoor Funding Summit hosted by ICELab @ Western happening in Crested Butte, Colorado a week from today!! The summit brings resources and opportunities together in Crested Butte, Colorado by connecting vetted investors and early-stage company founders who are seeking investment. Two days will be spent in the beautiful Gunnison Valley forging meaningful relationships and gaining cutting-edge industry insights from a lineup of guest speakers. We are stoked to be presenting to and meeting incredible investors, some leading angels, VCs and PE firms focused on the outdoors, including: Jesse Marble?– Wildwood Ventures Taylor Hanson?– Camano Capital Cory Finney?– Greater Colorado Venture Fund Andrew Luter?– Rio Chato Investments Douglas Campbell?– Investor Bill Mueller - Investor Chris Sword?– Investor Andris Zobs?– Gunnison River Partnership? Catherine Popper?– Investor D. Noah Eckhouse?– Investor Rich Johnson?– Investor Eoin Comerford?– Investor https://lnkd.in/dUh9yTkw

?? Retail: The Great Un-Boxing Packaging is a tangible extension of a brand's story. By adding elements that align with the brand's narrative into their packaging, retailers can forge a deep emotional connection with customers. The act of unboxing has transformed from simply opening a package into a thoughtfully curated experience that leaves a memorable impact. My personal top pick for a curated, extremely “happy” unboxing is The Mad Optimist by Soapy Soap Company. Not only are the founders some of the kindest people I have ever met, but they also understand that details and personal touch matter. I met them when they first started in Bloomington, IN, as recent IU grads. If you want to gift high quality vegan, eco-friendly soaps and bath salts to others or yourself, I highly recommend them. Regarding a mission-driven brand, James Merrill from Opolis Optics & StokedPlastics stands out. James has dedicated his life to making the earth a better place. One of these days, James, we will work together! My favorite casual clothing brand, Outerknown, is rooted in environmental #sustainability. Their packaging contains no plastics, only #biodegradable materials. Plus, their jumpsuits are amazingly comfortable! I would love to meet the folks behind this brand. ?? In conclusion, details matter—in how you make your products, their story, and you’re your packaging. It’s all an extension of your brand. The best part of my career is working with brands over the last couple of decades. From start-ups on #SharkTank to established retail brands, each has a unique narrative, and I am blessed to be a small part of their story! #BigBrands #CX #retail #Ecommerce #narrative #UPSCapital #DeliveryDefense #DeliverySolutions #Ware2Go

2 thrown out plastic bottles = 1 pair of Opolis Optics sunnies. ?? We're stoked to make high-quality, performance, recyclable plastic that's over 10x times more sustainable than current recyclability standards. ?? Check out our new website: https://lnkd.in/g86fuS7T #GreenBusiness #Sustainability #OutdoorIndustry #RecycledPlastic