The CIRCLE Alliance: A Major Push Towards Plastic Waste Reduction

August 23, 2024 — Unilever, in collaboration with USAID and EY, has launched the CIRCLE Alliance, a $21 million public-private partnership aimed at reducing plastic pollution and scaling packaging circularity. This initiative will support entrepreneurs and small businesses across the plastics value chain, with a focus on empowering women in the global south who are heavily involved in waste collection. The Alliance seeks to accelerate the development of circular economies by promoting innovative solutions in recycling, reuse, and reduction of plastic waste.

A New Model of Public-Private Collaboration

The CIRCLE Alliance is designed to address the urgent need for collective action against plastic pollution. By leveraging the expertise of Unilever in plastic supply chains, USAID's experience in empowering women in waste value chains, and EY's professional business support, the Alliance aims to create a circular economy for plastics, particularly in regions like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The initiative builds on the success of previous programs, such as the TRANSFORM impact enterprise accelerator, and intends to expand globally with additional partners and funding.

Supporting Impactful Entrepreneurs

The core mission of the CIRCLE Alliance is to support small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs who are developing market-based solutions to tackle plastic waste. This includes efforts in driving collection and recycling initiatives, as well as reuse and refill models that are crucial for reducing plastic dependency. The Alliance will provide these businesses with a mix of grant funding and bespoke business support to scale their operations, making them capable of operating on a larger scale.

Focus on Women's Economic Empowerment

A significant aspect of the CIRCLE Alliance is its commitment to women's economic empowerment, particularly those working in the informal waste sector in the global south. By focusing on improving the livelihoods of these women, the Alliance aims to address both environmental and social challenges, contributing to a more equitable and sustainable future. The initiative also aligns with Unilever's broader sustainability goals, which include reducing virgin plastic use and increasing the percentage of recycled plastic in its products.

Investing in Systemic Change

Unilever's investment in the CIRCLE Alliance is part of its broader strategy to drive systemic change through its Climate & Nature Fund, which commits €1 billion by 2030 towards impactful projects. The Alliance will also collaborate with Circulate Capital’s Ocean Fund to improve investment and infrastructure in regions severely affected by ocean plastic pollution, such as South and South-East Asia and Latin America. These efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling the plastic waste crisis at multiple levels.

A Strong Foundation for Future Expansion

The launch of the CIRCLE Alliance during Capitol Hill Ocean Week in June 2024 highlighted the importance of this collaborative model in addressing global environmental challenges. USAID Administrator Samantha Power praised the initiative for combining the strengths of public and private sectors to create a robust foundation for action. Gillian Hinde, EY Global Corporate Responsibility Leader, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the Alliance's role in supporting impact entrepreneurs and fostering innovation to combat plastic pollution.

The CIRCLE Alliance represents a significant step forward in the global fight against plastic waste, combining resources, expertise, and a shared commitment to sustainability. As the initiative expands to new markets and partners, it is poised to make a substantial impact on the circular economy, ensuring that the benefits of reduced plastic waste extend to both people and the planet.