The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) has partnered with circular economy investment management firm Circulate Capital, aiming to accelerate efforts to combat plastic pollution in South and Southeast Asia.
The partners aim to mobilize capital, expertise, and global influence to identify and invest in high-impact solutions that prevent ocean plastic at the source, while strengthening circular value chains in coastal communities.
The partnership focuses on South and Southeast Asia, a region at the heart of both the plastic crisis and its solution. Asian rivers account for nearly 70% of the plastic entering the ocean annually. However, the region received only 10% of the US$190 billion invested in plastic circularity globally between 2018 and 2023.
“The fight against ocean plastic pollution is one of the Foundation’s highest priorities,” said Olivier Wenden, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “Circulate Capital has demonstrated a compelling, market-based approach to solving this crisis in the regions most affected. Our partnership marks an important step in scaling up effective, on-the-ground initiatives that protect marine ecosystems and support the livelihoods of local communities. We look forward to seeing the measurable impact of this joint effort.”
Cleaning up plastic waste in Southeast Asia has become a global effort. Out of the 10 highest polluting countries six are in Southeast Asia, although much of the plastic waste was historically shipped there by wealthier nations, such as the United States. According to the Circulate Initiative, recycling mismanaged plastic waste across South and Southeast Asia could prevent as much GHG as shutting down 61 coal plants for a year, and meeting national recycling targets in six regional markets could result in a 10% reduction in global GHG emissions from plastics end-of-life in 2030.
“We aren’t just getting a partner; we’re getting a champion. With the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation alongside Circulate Capital, we can unlock the networks, capital, and collaboration needed to tackle plastic pollution head-on,” sais Rob Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Circulate Capital.
Circulate Capital has backed 23 companies across Asia and Latin America, channelling capital to scale solutions that reduce plastic pollution, drive climate impact, and build resilient, future-fit supply chains. The firm’s portfolio has added 455,000 tons per annum of new recycling capacity, avoided 627,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, and improved the livelihoods of more than 6,600 workers across the value chain.
