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Carnival Corp. steps up plastic reduction efforts

carnival corp. corporate logo
Carnival Corp. & plc plans to significantly reduce its purchase and consumption of non-essential single-use plastics by the end of 2021.

Compliance requirement

This is to comply with the company's recent pollution probation violation settlement which requires a 50% reduction in single-use plastics by the end of 2021, and is part of Carnival's expanded Operation Oceans Alive program across its nine brands.

Straws, cups, individually packaged servings

The plans include reducing or eliminating plastic straws, cups, lids and bags, among other single-use items. The brands are also working to potentially eliminate individual servings of certain packaged food items and other single-use plastics or decorative items used in food and beverage service as well as in staterooms.

The immediate focus is on reducing plastic items not needed for sanitary or public health-related purposes. Some single-use plastic items cannot be completely eliminated, including plastic trash can liners in common areas and sanitary gloves, among others.

Expanded effort

Introduced internally in January 2018, Operation Oceans Alive was an effort and call to action to ensure employees receive proper education, training and oversight, while continuing a company-wide commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations where it operates.

The initiative is now being expanded externally as the platform for the corporation’s commitment to achieving environmental compliance. Carnival said the effort will continue to expand through an increase in funding, staffing and responsibility.