HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions), the world’s leading expedition cruise company, has announced a partnership with Ocean Bottle, a social impact and reusable water bottle brand turning the tide on ocean-bound plastic. The initiative, launching ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8, is a step in HX’s ongoing commitment to being the most sustainable expedition company in the world, building on its landmark decision to become the first cruise line to ban single-use plastics back in 2018.
Every guest embarking on an HX journey will receive a complimentary reusable Ocean Bottle, which funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles in weight. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Ocean Bottle,” said Stefan Engl, VP Hotel Operations. “Together, we recognize the urgent need to protect our oceans and combat the pervasive issue of plastic pollution in marine environments. By providing each guest with a complimentary Ocean Bottle, part of our all-inclusive offering, we’re not only mitigating waste but also contributing to the preservation and cleaning up of our oceans, amplifying our impact.”
Ocean Bottle is turning the tide on ocean-bound plastic. Each Ocean Bottle funds the collection of 1,000 plastic bottles in weight. Collectors exchange plastic for money and get access to social resources such as healthcare, education and financial security. So far, Ocean Bottle has collected 14,164,500 kilograms of plastic via its partners: grassroots organizations in coastal communities in countries such as Indonesia, India and Ghana – the equivalent to 1 billion plastic bottles in weight.
“We’re proud to partner with HX, a leader in the cruise expedition industry known for innovations like banning single-use plastics and launching the first battery hybrid-powered cruise ship. By partnering with us and funding the collection of ocean-bound plastic waste, HX is taking their commitment to environmental stewardship even further. With a whopping 507,058 kg of plastic waste collected, they’ve prevented the equivalent of 44,604,000 plastic bottles from entering the ocean – a great example of taking action, leading up to World Oceans Day!” said Will Pearson, Co-founder and CEO of Ocean Bottle.
HX’s longstanding commitment to ocean conservation includes regular beach cleanups and supporting critical research through its Science & Education program. Covering over three-quarters of the planet and home to over 90% of known wildlife, oceans are vital for human life, yet much remains unexplored. HX, with its fleet of state-of-the-art expedition ships, plays a crucial role in reaching remote regions to collect vital scientific data. From understanding whale migrations and phytoplankton communities to cloud observations and the Northern Lights, HX’s onboard Science & Education Teams, alongside guests, capture and analyze invaluable data to support global research efforts.
The collaboration also ties into HX’s 1893 Ambassador Loyalty program, where Level 1 members can redeem a 10% discount and Level 2 members can receive a 20% discount when they make a purchase on the Ocean Bottle website.
HX recently published its 2023 ESG Report, highlighting HX’s dedication to environmental stewardship and responsible business practices. Notable achievements include major strides towards waste reduction, including a 30% reduction in waste per guest (22% in food waste per guest) and a 16% reduction in water consumption. HX is committed to achieving 100% reuse and recycling of all waste streams by 2030.