eXXpedition

eXXpedition delivers ocean-focused research missions that allow participants to witness plastic pollution firsthand, contribute to groundbreaking scientific discovery, and return home as powerful storytellers and advocates for change. With support from Kensington, the organization is entering an ambitious new phase—expanding its scientific reach and growing its global community of changemakers.

The spark began in 2014, when founder Emily Penn discovered 29 banned toxic pollutants in her blood. The revelation connected the dots between plastics, the ocean, and human health, inspiring her to launch an initiative that elevates women as leaders in both science and environmental storytelling.

Since its first voyage, eXXpedition has completed 29 missions with 274 participants across 41 nationalities. Interest continues to surge: 10,000 women applied for just 300 spaces on the most recent expedition, a powerful sign of the global desire to understand and solve the plastic pollution crisis.

After five years focused on land-based research and community-led initiatives, eXXpedition is preparing to return to sea. Eleven new expeditions are planned for 2026–2027, with more to follow. Supported by Kensington, this next phase includes a landmark partnership with the University of Georgia to launch the first global study connecting land-based and ocean-based plastic pollution.

By mapping sources, pathways, and sinks using rigorous, context-specific data, eXXpedition will help communities design targeted, scalable solutions. Kensington’s support is fueling this momentum, advancing scientific discovery, amplifying women’s leadership, and accelerating global action on plastic pollution.