South Carolina Aquarium, Ingevity unveil “Respond Gallery”

The South Carolina Aquarium unveiled the new Respond Gallery, an extension of Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery designed to educate guests about the innovative alternatives to single-use plastics. The gallery’s construction is the on-floor component of the “In Our Hands” campaign aimed at curbing use of single-use plastics and was funded by North Charleston-based manufacturing company, Ingevity—the South Carolina Aquarium’s partner in raising awareness of the dangers of plastic pollution.

The Respond Gallery extends the themes of Zucker Family Sea Turtle Recovery, from RESCUE to REHAB, RELEASE, and now, RESPOND. Accessible to the Aquarium’s more than 425,000 annual guests, the Respond Gallery is comprised of interactive digital elements, original art and a collection of plastics removed from sea turtles that will inform guests about the harmful effects of single-use plastics while also offering alternatives for daily use.

“Ingevity’s corporate leadership in protecting the environment is admirable,” said Courtenay Lewandowski, South Carolina Aquarium senior director of strategy and advancement. “Without such collaboration, little stands in the way of plastic pollution in infiltrating our precious natural resources, and ultimately in impacting marine and potentially human health. Ingevity has set a high bar for our community in balancing commerce and conservation, and the Aquarium is grateful for their partnership.”

The opening of the Respond Gallery also marks the launch of the “In Our Hands” campaign, which is presented in partnership with Ingevity. The company’s sponsorship of “In Our Hands” will foster more awareness of plastic pollution through the new Respond Gallery, a summer plastic challenge, and fund the care of a sea turtle from rescue through its release.

“Ingevity is dedicated to developing sustainable innovations that purify, protect and enhance the world around us,” said Michael Wilson, Ingevity president and CEO. “This partnership with the South Carolina Aquarium is another way we are proactively working to improve our environment, raise awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution and demonstrate ways in which all of us can make a difference.”

Following today’s ribbon-cutting event, the gallery will be open to the public and included with Aquarium admission.

About Ingevity

Ingevity provides specialty chemicals and high-performance carbon materials and technologies that purify, protect and enhance the world around us. Through a team of talented and experienced people, Ingevity develops, manufactures and brings to market products and processes that help customers solve complex problems. These products are used in a variety of demanding applications, including asphalt paving, oil exploration and production, agrochemicals, adhesives, lubricants, publication inks and automotive components that reduce gasoline vapor emissions. Headquartered in North Charleston, South Carolina, Ingevity operates from 25 locations around the world and employs approximately 1,500 people. The company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NGVT). For more information visit www.ingevity.com.

About the South Carolina Aquarium

The South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston’s No. 1 family attraction, features thousands of aquatic animals from river otters and sharks to loggerhead turtles in more than 60 exhibits representing the rich biodiversity of South Carolina from the mountains to the sea. Dedicated to promoting education and conservation, the Aquarium also presents sweeping views of the Charleston harbor along with interactive exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages.

The South Carolina Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and is open daily from9 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Aquarium is closed Thanksgiving Day, half day Dec. 24 (open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and Dec. 25. Admission prices are: Toddlers (2 and under) free; Youth (3-12) $22.95; Adults (13+) $29.95. For more information, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or visit scaquarium.org.