Global Alliance Formed to Support Entrepreneurs in Reducing Plastic Waste

USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced today the launch of the CIRCLE Alliance, a public-private collaboration between USAID, Unilever, and EY. The initiative aims to address global plastic pollution by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in the plastics value chain, with initial focus areas including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

The CIRCLE Alliance, standing for Catalyzing Inclusive, Resilient, and Circular Local Economies, seeks to reduce plastic waste and promote circular economies. This collaboration aligns with the bipartisan Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which emphasizes efforts to combat ocean plastic pollution.

Administrator Power highlighted the urgency of addressing plastic pollution, noting that 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, a rate expected to triple by 2040. Rebecca Marmot, Unilever’s Chief Sustainability Officer, stated that the alliance supports Unilever’s goals of reducing plastic pollution through reduction, circulation, and collaboration. Amy Brachio, EY’s Global Vice Chair – Sustainability, emphasized the partnership’s role in fostering inclusive and resilient economies to help entrepreneurs scale solutions for reducing plastic use and waste.

USAID and Unilever have a history of collaborating on environmental sustainability initiatives, focusing on promoting circular economy practices. EY’s involvement brings a track record of forming sustainability alliances and supporting innovative business models aimed at reducing environmental impact.

The CIRCLE Alliance will provide funding, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs working on plastic waste collection, recycling technologies, and the development of reusable and refillable products. The initiative aims to inspire similar efforts globally by showcasing successful models and best practices, influencing policies, and encouraging investments in sustainable solutions.

The launch event also featured remarks from Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Dan Sullivan, co-sponsors of the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act. This legislative commitment is part of a broader effort to prevent ocean plastics, with USAID’s initiatives having already prevented the equivalent of more than 127 billion plastic bottles from polluting the environment.

By empowering entrepreneurs and fostering sustainable practices within the plastics value chain, the CIRCLE Alliance aims to contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable future.