In a world awash with over 500 billion water bottles produced each year, the vast majority ends up in landfills or oceans. For James Merrill, founder of StokedPlastics and inventor of the StokedPlastic® blend, this was not just an environmental crisis—it was an opportunity for transformation.
Innovation Fueled by Impact
Founded in 2023, StokedPlastics is a bold, environmentally driven startup with a mission to reshape how we think about plastic. From the outset, the company has focused on removing plastic waste from the environment and reimagining it as high-performance material for the eyewear industry. To date, more than 350,000 plastic bottles have been reclaimed from oceans and landfills through the company’s initiatives.
The results? Award-winning products like the StokedPlastic® Sunglasses and StokedSnow Goggle Collections, which merge sustainability with sleek, functional design.
A Team Built for Purpose
StokedPlastics is powered by a five-member team with expertise spanning luxury eyewear, chemistry, engineering, international supply chains, startup scaling, and even military logistics. This diverse knowledge base enabled the creation of a proprietary process that turns ocean-bound plastic—specifically from Southeast Asia—into a durable, recyclable material that’s over ten times more sustainable than conventional plastics.
While most companies use only 2–3% recycled hard plastic, StokedPlastics integrates 25% or more into its custom blend, proving that performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Building Partnerships, Amplifying Change
James Merrill’s background in strategic planning, budget management, and operational oversight has led to impactful collaborations throughout the outdoor industry. These partnerships extend the company’s reach and help major brands lower their carbon footprints while delivering eco-conscious products that resonate with today’s consumers.
StokedPlastics is more than a material supplier—it’s a platform for change, helping countries and companies meet ESG targets while uplifting communities and reducing plastic pollution.
Recognition & Momentum
The industry has taken notice. StokedPlastics has earned numerous accolades, including:
- A feature on NPR’s “How I Built This” with Guy Raz
- Finalist for the 2024 Outdoor Retailer Inspiration Award
- Winner of the 2023 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award
- Outside Magazine’s Best Lifestyle Sunglasses of 2023
- The 2022 Maine Trailblazer Award
These honors reinforce what the team already knows: when innovation meets purpose, the results can be powerful.
🌟 Join the Movement at PolyNext 2025 in Dubai
StokedPlastics is proud to be part of the global conversation around plastic innovation and circular economy solutions at the PolyNext Awards & Conference 2025, happening on October 1–2 in Dubai.
PolyNext brings together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, policymakers, and sustainability champions from around the world. It’s where bold ideas meet actionable strategies—and where solutions like StokedPlastic® gain the visibility and momentum they deserve.
🗓 Save the Date: October 1–2, 2025
📍 Location: Crowne Plaza Deira, Dubai
🔗 Register Now: www.polynextconf.com
Let’s close the loop on plastic waste—together.
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