Our impact

Cleaning rivers from plastic pollution with bubbles

At The Great Bubble Barrier, we are committed to making a measurable impact on reducing plastic pollution in rivers and canals. We apply proven best practices and methodologies to measure our impact. Backed by data and research, our insights help shape policies and drive sustainable solutions. Learn more about our impact below.

Bubble Barriers capturing plastic

Bubble Barriers capturing plastic

OUR BUBBLE BARRIERS

Explore our impact

OUR RESEARCH METHODS

How do we monitor our impact?

Bubble Barriers are used as monitoring tools to assess plastic pollution types, levels and origins in each location. The data collected through monitoring our catch is important to effectively prevent plastic from entering rivers and canals in the future.

To ensure accuracy, collected waste is dried first, and organic materials are sorted out and excluded. This provides a clear understanding of plastic pollution without inflating results. Once the waste is dried and sorted, we categorize it using the river-OSPAR method, an international standard for waste monitoring.

This systemic approach helps us identify pollution trends and compare data across locations, guiding our efforts to address plastic pollution more effectively.

OUR BLOG POSTS

Read more about plastic pollution

Besides researching our Bubble Barrier impact, we continuously work on amplifying the latest global research on plastic pollution. Because the more we know, the better equipped we are to tackle the issue at the root.

First Community-Led Bubble Barrier Stops Plastic Pollution From Entering the North Sea
MAY 2022 - What started in 2018 as an initiative of concerned citizens, has now grown into a unique, widely supported mission to tackle plastic pollution in the Katwijk region, The Netherlands. This...
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam Captures Over 1 Million Pieces of Plastic
Bubble Barrier Amsterdam Captures Over 1 Million Pieces of Plastic – A Milestone for Cleaner Waterways
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...
Research into the Effects of Plastic Pollution on Human Rights

Research shows that every stage of the plastic life cycle harms the environment and human rights. In June, the UN Human Rights Council commissioned a three-year study on “Plastic Pollution and Its Implications for the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights.”

The Problem with Bioplastics
Plastic from renewable resources is already commonly available on the market, but terms such as ‘bioplastic’, ‘biodegradable’ or ‘compostable’ can be confusing for consumers. These terms are often...
How Do We Monitor Plastic Pollution in Rivers?
Bubble Barriers are effective tools for catching plastic pollution in rivers. After removing the plastic waste from waterways, we are able to closely sort and monitor the catch. The collected data...
Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026
The Great Bubble Barrier Named Finalist for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026
Amsterdam, 13 October 2025 – The Great Bubble Barrier is proud to announce that it has been selected as a finalist for the Zayed Sustainability Prize 2026 in the Water category. Out of 7,761...
project MAELSTROM launches a Bubble Barrier in Portugal
European project MAELSTROM launches a Bubble Barrier in Portugal to catch Plastic in the Ave River at Vila do Conde
VILA DO CONDE, 25 November 2023 - Project MAELSTROM brings together a consortium of 14 international partners with the mission to investigate and implement innovative technologies for the...
8 Facts You Didn’t Know About the Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea, located in the southeastern part of the North Sea, offers unique geological and ecological values to the region. Spanning an area across Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, it is...
5 Game-Changing Plastic-Free Innovators You Should Know About
Plastic is a useful and durable material, so why do we use it for items that we will discard in a second? In a world where we are so dependent on plastic, what are the alternatives? In this blog...
6 Women Making an Impact on Our Ocean
6 Women Making an Impact on Our Ocean
In honour of International Women’s Day, we would like to introduce you to 6 women making an impact on our ocean by spearheading various initiatives to combat ocean-related problems. Learn more about...