At just 18 years old, Boyan Slat started a mission to clean the oceans after a shocking moment at 16 — seeing more plastic than fish while scuba diving. In this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Financial Journalist Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Boyan Slat, CEO, The Ocean Cleanup WE about how technology, innovation, and global collaboration can tackle one of the planet’s biggest environmental crises: ocean plastic pollution. What began as a teenager’s idea is now a global effort deploying ocean cleanup systems and river interceptors across multiple countries to stop plastic waste before it reaches the sea. From tackling the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to deploying cleanup technology in cities like Mumbai, Boyan Slat explains how science, engineering, and persistence are helping remove plastic from the world’s oceans. In this conversation, Govindraj Ethiraj and Boyan Slat explore the technology, economics, and global partnerships needed to scale solutions to plastic pollution. The discussion also touches on the role of governments, corporations, and philanthropy in solving environmental challenges that affect marine ecosystems, coastal economies, and the future of our oceans. For professionals interested in global sustainability, climate innovation, environmental policy, and breakthrough technology, this episode offers insight into how bold ideas can evolve into real-world solutions addressing one of the largest environmental problems on Earth — ocean plastic pollution. Topics Covered in This Podcast (00:00) Introduction (02:02) Mission and Origins (03:58) Recycling and Waste Disposal (04:59) The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (07:04) Economics of a Non-Profit (11:18) Global Pollution Hotspots (14:59) Corporate Partnerships and Greenwashing (17:16) Local Initiatives vs. Global Ambition (19:19) The Mumbai Project: Unique Challenges (22:17) Evolution of Interceptor Technology (27:33) Goal: 90% Global Reduction (31:44) Real-World Impact in Jakarta (35:33) Reflections on India If you found this conversation insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more deep conversations on business, global challenges, innovation, and ideas shaping the future.
