Raffi Schieir is a visionary entrepreneur and environmental advocate who has made significant strides in the fight against ocean plastic pollution. As the co-founder and director of Bantam Materials and the founder of Prevented Ocean Plastic, Schieir has established himself as a leading expert in the recycled plastic industry. His innovative approach focuses on preventing plastic from entering the oceans through the creation of a vertically-integrated supply chain that collects and recycles ocean-bound plastic waste.

Under Schieir's leadership, the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme has achieved remarkable success, preventing almost two billion bottles from reaching the ocean. This initiative has gained international recognition, including a nomination for the prestigious Earthshot Prize. Schieir's commitment to sustainability extends beyond environmental impact; his work also creates economic opportunities in developing countries by enabling people to collect plastic waste and earn income. As a thought leader in the industry, Schieir advocates for tougher standards in plastic recycling and emphasises the importance of prevention and high-quality collection systems in solving the global plastic waste crisis.