The Biodiversity Impact Index, developed by Universal Plastic, transforms cleanup efforts into a transparent, science-based metric that reflects real ecological and social recovery.
Biodiversity Impact Index
From Plastic Collection to Ecosystem Regeneration
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Why Do We Need a New Standard?
For decades, the success of ocean cleanups has been measured in kilograms of plastic collected. But weight alone does not reveal the true impact. The same amount of plastic can have very different effects depending on the ecosystem, its sensitivity and its value to people and the climate.
In climate action, CO₂ equivalents provide a common benchmark for measuring progress. Marine biodiversity lacks a comparable standard. Our Index addresses this gap by translating plastic removal into measurable environmental and human outcomes.
How Does the Index Work?
It integrates four key dimensions into a single standardized score:
Biodiversity Recovery
Measures how plastic removal benefits species and habitats, taking into account ecosystem sensitivity and conservation value.
Socioeconomic Value
Incorporates benefits for people, including fisheries, tourism, food security, livelihoods and cultural connections to coastal ecosystems.
Plastic Risk Reduction
Prioritizes the removal of the most harmful plastics based on their persistence, toxicity and fragmentation risk.
Blue Carbon Protection
Assesses how cleanup activities protect carbon-rich habitats, such as mangroves and seagrass meadows, strengthening climate resilience.
This Index goes beyond symbolic action. It provides governments, ports, investors, businesses and communities with a transparent and comparable tool to plan, report and invest in ocean regeneration with confidence.
