DiscoverThe Committed InnovatorThe Committed Innovator: Taking on the challenge ocean pollution from plastic with Boyan Slat
The Committed Innovator: Taking on the challenge ocean pollution from plastic with Boyan Slat

The Committed Innovator: Taking on the challenge ocean pollution from plastic with Boyan Slat

Update: 2025-11-17
Share

Description

The Ocean Cleanup's Boyan Slat discusses the promise and challenge of technological innovation at planetary scale. The problem of ocean pollution from plastic waste is growing and intractable, and can feel insurmountable to many consumers. For Dutch innovator Boyan Slat, however, not only is the problem solvable, it’s an imperative. In addition to harming habitats and wildlife, improperly discarded plastics can cause health problems for humans. The founder and CEO of Rotterdam-based The Ocean Cleanup, Slat seeks to both clean up the worst of plastic pollution in oceans, and to stop the flow of plastics from rivers into oceans. McKinsey innovation leader Erik Roth speaks with Slat about the challenges of starting and evolving The Ocean Cleanup, how the organization has found success, and what it takes to continue the effort.

See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

The Committed Innovator: Taking on the challenge ocean pollution from plastic with Boyan Slat

The Committed Innovator: Taking on the challenge ocean pollution from plastic with Boyan Slat

McKinsey Innovation