Combatting Plastic Pollution With Circulate Capital
Circulate Capital mobilizes capital from diverse investors to scale sustainable solutions aimed at reducing plastic waste leakage into marine ecosystems, with a focus on South and Southeast Asia. ECCA participated in Circulate Capital’s Ocean Fund I-B (CCOF I-B) in 2021 through the ECCA Trust, contributing to efforts to mitigate the ocean plastic crisis.
Challenge

Ocean plastic pollution remains a pressing global issue, exacerbated by inadequate investment and infrastructure support in critical regions. Despite growing awareness of the environmental and economic impacts of plastic waste, there is a significant gap in capital allocation towards solutions that can effectively mitigate this crisis. Many companies and initiatives tackling ocean plastic pollution struggle to secure the necessary funding to scale their operations and innovations. This lack of investment hinders the development of sustainable infrastructure and technologies needed to reduce plastic waste leakage into marine ecosystems. Moreover, the complexities of waste management and recycling infrastructure in developing regions further amplify these challenges, requiring tailored financial solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change.
Approach

Circulate Capital stands at the forefront of addressing ocean plastic pollution through its innovative circular economy investment strategies. Established in 2018, Circulate Capital focuses on investing in companies that divert plastic waste from landfills and catalyze systemic change across supply chains in South and Southeast Asia. By leveraging blended finance models, Circulate Capital mitigates investment risks and mobilizes capital from development finance institutions and private investors alike. This approach not only drives financial returns but also supports the scaling of sustainable business models that contribute to reducing plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy. Circulate Capital’s commitment extends beyond financial investment; it brings expertise in supply chain management and fosters collaborations to strengthen the ecosystem for circular solutions. Through its holistic approach, Circulate Capital is paving the way for transformative impact, demonstrating that sustainable investing can drive environmental stewardship while delivering competitive financial returns.
Outcomes
By 2030, Circulate Capital aims to achieve: