Amsterdam, 20 August 2025 – Since its launch in 2019, Bubble Barrier Amsterdam has successfully intercepted more than 1,000,000 pieces of plastic from the city’s waterways, marking a major milestone in the fight against plastic pollution.
The innovative technology, developed and implemented by The Great Bubble Barrier, was the world’s first long-term Bubble Barrier to catch plastic pollution in waterways. Located at the Westerdok, one of the historic canals’ outlets into the IJ, the system prevents waste from flowing into the North Sea. The project was commissioned by Gemeente Amsterdam and Waterschap Amstel, Gooi en Vecht.
A Celebration During SAIL Amsterdam
To celebrate this achievement, councillors and policymakers will gather on 21 August 2025 at the Bubble Barrier for a special event. Zita Pels, Amsterdam’s Councillor for Sustainability and Circular Economy, will open the event with a few remarks.
As part of the festivities, a “Museum of Plastic” will display a curated selection of the most curious and impactful items intercepted by the Barrier – offering a tangible reminder of what has been kept out of our rivers and ocean. The campaign and artwork were conceptualised by the creative agency Closed on Monday and created by Swaan from Mug-meubel.
The celebration coincides with SAIL Amsterdam 2025, whose theme “United by Waves” calls for connection, innovation, and sustainable action – values that align perfectly with the mission of The Great Bubble Barrier.
A Reminder of Ongoing Action
The announcement comes shortly after a viral LinkedIn post by an Amsterdam resident highlighted the scale of plastic pollution in Amsterdam, sparking public debate and calls for action.
Amsterdam has long recognised the urgency of tackling plastic waste and was the first city to join the WWF’s “Plastic Smart Cities” initiative. An accompanying action program aims to make the city clean and free of plastic pollution by 2030.
The success of the Bubble Barrier in the Westerdok proves that innovation and cooperation work. More Bubble Barriers are planned to remove plastic from our canals.
A Proven Solution
To monitor the success and impact of the Bubble Barrier, a research alliance with the Plastic Soup Foundation and Waternet was formed to monitor the Bubble Barrier’s catch. Over one year, a total of 38,178 pieces of dried, inorganic waste were monitored and categorised using the OSPAR method.
Results showed that the Bubble Barrier collects around 15,536 pieces of plastic waste – or 80 kg – every month. The success of the project prompted Councillor Melanie van der Horst to declare the current pilot project a success and to hope that there will be opportunities for expansion in the future.
“Reaching one million pieces caught is more than a number – it’s a statement that innovative, collaborative solutions work,” said Anne Marieke Eveleens, Co-founder of The Great Bubble Barrier. “It’s a milestone we share with every partner and citizen committed to keeping Amsterdam’s waters clean.”
About Bubble Barrier Amsterdam
Commissioned by Gemeente Amsterdam and the Waterschap Amstel, Gooi and Vecht and developed by The Great Bubble Barrier, Bubble Barrier Amsterdam is the first long-term Bubble Barrier to catch plastic pollution in a waterway without hindering boat traffic or aquatic life. Since 2019, it has stopped over a million pieces of plastic from entering the North Sea and continues to protect Amsterdam’s waterways every day.
Learn more about Bubble Barrier Amsterdam here.
Videos, photos, illustrations, and animations can be found in the press kit.
Interviews with the collaborating partners can be requested via press@thegreatbubblebarrier.com.
