Samenvatting

In this paper, we explore the role of entrepreneurs in stimulating the transition towards a new system in which marine plastic pollution is mitigated. To reduce plastic pollution of waterways and oceans, all types of system actors are needed. Producers need to increase recycled content, governments need to enact bans and improve waste management, research institutions need to develop alternative materials, NGOs need to raise awareness and consumers must be willing to choose different products. In this systems change towards reduced marine pollution, entrepreneurs also have a role to play as niche innovators that build momentum toward more sustainable socio-technical systems (Dijkstra, van Beukering and Brouwer, 2021). This forces incumbents to adapt (Hockerts and Wüstenhagen, 2010).