The 5 Gyres Institute

What it reported doing in 2024

SCIENCE Our 15 years of research on ocean and terrestrial plastics leads us to focus on specific sources, or sectors, that generate plastic pollution to create more effective solutions. From microfibers and plastic pellets to single-use packaging, there are many unique sources of plastic pollution. By leading research around key sectors and materials, we can design targeted, effective interventions that reduce the harmful impacts of plastic pollution.2025 Research Highlights: - Vietnam Marine Debris - To better understand coastal pollution pathways, Dr. Victoria Fulfer tracked marine debris in Nha Trang, Vietnam, documenting nearly 74,000 items over a four-month time series. This work gives insights into the many complexities influencing shoreline debris deposition and removal, and emphasizes that beach cleanups cannot be the only mitigation solution. - Microfibers & Rainbow Trout - Dr. Lisa Erdle tested the impact of different microfiber types (cotton and polyester), with varying chemical additives, on rainbow trout. The results show that all microfibers - not just synthetic - should be considered when developing solution.- Microplastics on the PCT - This study, led by 5 Gyres Ambassadors Tori McGruer and Macy Gustavus, surveyed trash along the entire 4,270 km Pacific Crest Trail and estimated that 53,000 pieces were present. Targeted waste management in high-impact locations and improved gear design could reduce waste in these wilderness areas. - Plastic Mangroves in Honduras - 5 Gyres Ambassador Zara Zuniga-Lopez surveyed four mangrove sites in Honduras, finding 3,417 items in just 500 square meters - almost 99% of which were plastic. A deceased crocodile nearby was found with 62 pieces of litter in its gut. This research shows that mangroves act as a sink for plastic pollution, putting ecosystems and wildlife at risk. Science at the Global Plastics Treaty: Honest Brokers and the Merchants of Doubt 5 Gyres' Co-Founder & Scientist, Dr. Marcus Eriksen, attended what was meant to be the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland. While the treaty itself was not agreed upon, due to the aggressive efforts of some of the world's strongest petrochemical states, two of the three legs required for an effective treaty are now in place: political will of the 75-nation High Ambition Coalition, and a strong text. According to Marcus, there is hope on the horizon that these ambitious countries can advance negotiations beyond UNEP through a coalition of the willing, and 5 Gyres will stand ready to support science in every way we can.Plastic Air: Microfibers & TextilesHot Out of the Dryer: Recently Published ResearchOur two-part "Plastic Air" study focused on airborne microfibers - a major source of microplastic pollution. These tiny, thread-like particles that shed from textiles can easily become airborne and travel long distances, making them especially relevant to human exposure. We evaluated the significance of emissions from commercial dryers, finding that a single laundromat can release up to 7.2 trillion microfibers into the air each year, with city-wide emissions reaching 1.1 quadrillion microfibers annually. Our research established that dryers are a significant and overlooked source of airborne microfiber pollution, so the next step was to evaluate potential solutions. We found that some secondary dryer filtration systems can capture up to 80% of microfibers before they enter the air. Filtration presents a viable mitigation strategy to reduce microfiber emissions and protect environmental and human health.Implementing Upstream Solutions Filtration alone won't solve microfiber pollution, and change is needed further upstream. Our guide, Reducing Microfiber Pollution: An Industry Playbook, offers accessible, general guidelines to help brands reduce microfiber emissions at every step of the supply chain. The series includes three audience-specific guides - Design Solutions, Sourcing Practices, and Manufacturing

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 47.9%; rating input score 48
• Program expense ratio: 69.6%; rating input score 70
• Fundraising efficiency: $7.84 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 30; 30th percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Limited

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 90%; rating input score 90; 23rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 6 of 8 controls in place; rating input score 75
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Fail
  • Other executive compensation review process: NotApplicable
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Pass
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Fail
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 32.3%; rating input score 86; 86th percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.18; rating input score 48; 48th percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.1; rating input score 42; 42nd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 8.7%; rating input score 41; 41st percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 10.6% per year; rating input score 100; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 11.8% per year; rating input score 100; 72nd percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 20.7% per year; rating input score 100; 82nd percentile among comparable filings