Ahead of Global Recycling Day on 18 March, drinks brand Aqua Libra is today releasing London’s first WasteShark into the waters of Middle Dock at Canary Wharf.
Launched in partnership with the Canary Wharf Group, the WasteShark marine robot can travel up to 5km daily, collecting up to 500kg of plastic waste (equivalent to 22,700 plastic bottles), microplastics and other pollutants as it guides itself through the water.
Created by RanMarine Technology, the robot is designed to benefit the environment by ‘eating waste’, which is then recycled and reused where possible, while simultaneously collecting data about the quality of the water surrounding it.
The WasteShark has been designed to be harmonious with its environment, producing no carbon, noise or light pollution as it travels, and posing no threat to wildlife.
We hope … we can inspire more businesses to take the step towards helping our environment
“Ensuring packaging never becomes waste is a core part of our vision, and we are excited to be bringing the brilliantly innovative WasteShark technology to London in partnership with the team at Canary Wharf Group to help tackle plastic pollution in this revolutionary way,” comments Steve Potts from brand owner Britvic.
“At Aqua Libra, we are working with brilliant minds to invent new ways to consume delicious drinks without the need for plastic bottles …. We have big ambitions, but we can’t do it alone. That’s why we’re partnering with Canary Wharf Group and WasteShark, as well as being proud partners of the Blue Earth Summit, a purpose-led movement towards positive change for our world. We hope that at this year’s Blue Earth Summit event, we can inspire more businesses to take the step towards helping our environment with the results from the WasteShark.”
Sophie Goddard, director of sustainability, Canary Wharf Group, adds: “At the Canary Wharf Group we aim to transform urban spaces into extraordinary environments which work for nature as well as people. As part of this we are so pleased to be launching the WasteShark in partnership with Aqua Libra. This innovative marine technology will help us to tackle waste and maintain the environment.”
