CIRCLE Alliance Launched to Reduce Plastic Pollution

A new public-private collaboration was established by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Unilever, and EY with the goal to prevent plastic pollution. The CIRCLE Alliance —Catalyzing Inclusive, Resilient, and Circular Local Economies—will invest in initiatives for reducing plastic waste and supporting circular economy principles. 

SWANA Executive Director & CEO Amy Lestition Burke attended the launch of the event along with SWANA Director of Public Policy Kristyn Oldendorf, and SWANA Summer Associate Aidan Leurdijk. The launch event included remarks from USAID Administrator Samantha Power, Unilever Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Marmot, EY Global Vice Chair – Sustainability Amy Brachio, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and Senator Dan Sullivan.

This $21 million public-private collaboration will support entrepreneurs and small businesses across the plastics value chain with an initial focus on India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. 

The waste and recycling industry is providing the solutions to prevent plastic pollution and SWANA will continue to represent the importance of the industry in these global efforts.