Seaman Paper to Fund Ocean Research and Conservation

With Seaman Paper's "Sea the Difference" initiative, each use of a paper-based, fully recyclable, Vela bag will generate incremental funding to support vital research on the impact of ocean plastics.

Sept. 28, 2022 - Seaman Paper Company announced partnerships with leading ocean research and conservation organizations, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and One Ocean Foundation. Seaman Paper Company has made multi-year commitments to these organizations to fund critical research and conservation efforts while launching the "Sea the Difference" initiative to heighten awareness of the increasing risk of plastics in our oceans.

"Nano- and microplastic pollution in the oceans represents one of the most concerning, least understood, emerging consequences of rising plastic consumption," said Mote Marine Laboratory President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. "With the philanthropic leadership of Seaman Paper, Mote is able to push forward the frontiers of science with our Center for Research and Policy on Nano-plastic Pollution and highlight the research and public policy solutions to this critical threat."

"I'm delighted to welcome Seaman Paper into our network of 'ocean defenders' companies," said Riccardo Bonadeo, One Ocean Foundation's President. "They are a leader at the forefront in providing best practices for a sustainable economy and for the protection and preservation of the marine environment."

"Our Vela™ product line is a ready-made solution for those seeking to replace single-use plastics, and a partnership with Mote and One Ocean Foundation is a natural fit," says Ken Winterhalter, CEO of Seaman Paper. "These organizations share Seaman Paper's passion for obtaining a greater knowledge of the impact that nano-plastics are having on our oceans while working to conserve critical resources."

With this initiative, each use of a paper-based, fully recyclable, Vela bag will generate incremental funding to support vital research on the impact of ocean plastics and fund work to uncover actionable solutions to these critical causes.

All companies that partner with Vela join the growing list of brands like Mara Hoffman, Outerknown, and Faherty who work to achieve their ESG initiatives by eliminating single-use plastic poly from their global apparel transportation supply chains through their use of Vela bags.

Going forward, all stock Vela bags will be printed with a "Sea the Difference" badge — designed by marine life painter Roberto "Pasta" Pantaleo — illustrating this initiative. Vela customers are also encouraged to incorporate the "Sea the Difference" badge into their custom-branded Vela bags to show their support.

If you are interested in preventing single-use plastics from polluting our oceans and being part of critical ocean research and conservation, Seaman Paper welcomes businesses and brands to "Sea the Difference" and make the switch to Vela. Visit www.vela.eco/sea-the-difference to learn more and get started today.

Seaman Paper, headquartered in Gardner, Massachusetts, is a leading global manufacturer of environmentally sustainable specialty paper and packaging solutions. The family-owned company has been making paper in Massachusetts since 1946. To learn more, visit www.seamanpaper.com.

SOURCE: Seaman Paper Company