07.06.2024

EY, Unilever and USAID launch the CIRCLE alliance to support tackling plastic waste

USAID, Unilever and EY announced the launch of the CIRCLE Alliance, an innovative public-private collaboration. The initiative is designed to tackle the global plastic pollution crisis by supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in the plastics value chain. The initiative will initially focus on India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The CIRCLE alliance is a significant step towards sustainable development. By combining the strengths of the public and private sectors, this initiative aims to create scalable and impactful solutions to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

"This partnership will catalyze inclusive, sustainable and circular local economies, helping entrepreneurs scale solutions to reduce plastic use and tackle plastic waste," commented Amy Bracchio, EY's Global Vice President - Sustainability during the launch of the initiative. , reports esgnews.com.

A long-standing partnership

USAID and Unilever have a long history of collaboration on initiatives focused on environmental sustainability and addressing global challenges. Both organizations have been involved in promoting circular economy practices, emphasizing recycling and reuse to reduce plastic waste.

EY has a strong track record of creating alliances that focus on sustainability, supporting efforts to reduce environmental impact through innovative business models.

Plastic pollution poses a serious threat to marine life and ecosystems. Initiatives like the CIRCLE Alliance are critical to driving innovation and systemic change. According to the World Bank, global plastic production has increased twentyfold since the 60s, and without intervention this trend will continue, exacerbating environmental degradation.

The CIRCLE Alliance aims to provide funding, mentoring and resources to entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions. This support will help scale up projects that focus on plastic waste collection, recycling technologies and the development of reusable and refillable products.

Global impact

The collaboration seeks to inspire similar initiatives around the world. By demonstrating successful models and best practices, the CIRCLE Alliance hopes to influence global policies and encourage other corporations and governments to invest in sustainable solutions.

The CIRCLE Alliance is poised to make a significant impact by empowering entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable practices in the plastics value chain, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

"The CIRCLE Alliance supports Unilever's ambition to help end plastic pollution through reduction, distribution and collaboration," emphasizes Rebecca Marmot, Unilever's Chief Sustainability Officer.