The Guardiãs do Mar Project, a Brazilian socio-environmental initiative dedicated to ocean conservation, recycling awareness, and community empowerment, is entering a new phase in 2026. With the support of Indorama Ventures, the program will expand its footprint across three key regions in Brazil — São Paulo, Santos, and Pernambuco.
Addressing Ocean Plastic Waste Through Community Action
Founded by Patricia Almeida, Guardiãs do Mar returns at a critical time when plastic pollution continues to threaten marine ecosystems worldwide. The initiative actively combines public awareness campaigns, waste collection drives, recycling efforts, and creative reuse strategies.
As a result, the project demonstrates how localized, community-driven action can contribute to large-scale circular economy solutions. In this new phase, the program will roll out a nationwide campaign focused on increasing awareness, boosting plastic waste collection, and transforming discarded materials into valuable resources.
Driving Circular Economy Through Awareness and Innovation
Patricia Almeida emphasized the urgency behind the initiative, noting that ocean waste transcends geographical boundaries and requires collective responsibility. By relaunching the project—especially in coastal regions like Santos—the initiative aims to convert environmental awareness into tangible action. Importantly, the program highlights that circular economy solutions begin at the grassroots level, where communities play a vital role in driving sustainable change.
Indorama Ventures Strengthens Sustainability Commitment
With a strong global presence, Indorama Ventures operates 20 recycling facilities across 11 countries and has already recycled over 160 billion PET bottles. Through its collaboration with Guardiãs do Mar, the company reinforces its commitment to sustainability, environmental education, and circular economy development. Moreover, this partnership underscores the importance of industry-community collaboration in addressing global plastic waste challenges.
From Waste to Value: Recycling and Creative Reuse
Following the collection phase, the initiative will channel a portion of the collected PET waste into industrial recycling streams. Meanwhile, the remaining materials will be repurposed through hands-on workshops conducted by Guardiãs do Mar. Led by design experts, these workshops will creatively transform plastic waste into musical instruments and art installations. Consequently, participants will gain practical insights into how waste can be reimagined as a valuable resource, reinforcing circular economy principles.
Engaging Communities and Educational Institutions
In São Paulo, Centro Universitário Belas Artes will serve as the primary collection hub. The program actively encourages participation from students, teachers, families, waste pickers, and local communities. Furthermore, the initiative will extend its outreach to public schools and partner institutions in Santos and Pernambuco, thereby amplifying its social and environmental impact across diverse communities.
Expanding Environmental Education Through Waste Hero Program
Beyond Guardiãs do Mar, Indorama Ventures continues to support sustainability initiatives in Brazil through its Waste Hero program in Pernambuco. This program works closely with schools and communities to promote responsible waste management and recycling practices.
To date, Waste Hero has successfully engaged over 220 teachers, 3,122 students, and 115 employees, fostering environmental awareness and encouraging behavioral change from an early age.
Collaborative Approach to Sustainable Development
The relaunch of Guardiãs do Mar highlights the critical role of collaboration between public institutions, private organizations, and local communities. By working together, stakeholders can transform waste into knowledge, strengthen community engagement, and develop practical solutions to global environmental challenges. Ultimately, the initiative serves as a powerful example of how sustainability, culture, and circular economy principles can converge to create lasting impact.
