Gilbert, AZ – Feb 18, 2022 – Footprint, a global materials science technology company focused on creating a healthy planet, today announced it has awarded five customers with an annual Ocean Hero Award, and two honorees. The awards celebrate businesses leading by example to eliminate single-use and short-term-use plastic. Award recipients were honored during an award ceremony at Footprint’s fourth annual Sustainability Summit, Champions of Change, which brings together sustainability leaders and Footprint customers to discuss the impact of plastic on human health, the environment and global carbon emissions. In addition, Footprint presented Sir Richard Branson with an Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award for his tireless work to protect the world’s oceans, which he accepted at the Summit by video. Ireland-based Junk Kouture was also presented with an honorary award, for their work elevating up-cycling through creative expression and inspiration for the next generation of builders and engineers, which they accepted in person after an on-stage exhibit of their high-fashion, upcycled, student-constructed costumes.