How Much Plastic Is Actually Recycled? Understanding the Imbalance Between Virgin and Recycled Plastics

The world has a plastic problem. The alarming global increase in plastic production from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to over 400 million tonnes in 2021 has created a crisis. Even as recycling initiatives increase, the reality is that less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally. Meanwhile, virgin plastics, which are made from […]
Protecting the Protectors: How SEArcular and AXA Are Transforming Lives and Tackling Indonesia’s Plastic Crisis

SEArcular waste Pickers’ in Indonesia Indonesia stands at the epicentre of the global pollution crisis. The world produces over 300 million tons of plastic annually, and a staggering 8 million tons of it ends up in the ocean. Unfortunately, Indonesia is the world’s second-largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution, responsible for dumping over 620,000 tons […]
The Influence of AI on the Plastic Industry: Revolutionising Recycling and Addressing the Global Plastic Crisis

The plastic industry is grappling with a crisis: while the world produces over 400 million tons of plastic annually, only about 9% of it gets recycled. The rest accumulates in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, contributing to a growing environmental emergency. To tackle this, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are emerging as game-changers in the […]
Achieving Plastic Circularity: Choosing the Best Plastic Offsetting Option

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. As governments, businesses, and individuals strive to reduce their plastic footprint, finding the right tools to support this mission is essential. One increasingly popular initiative is businesses offsetting plastic packaging through plastic credits. Certified credits allow organisations to mitigate their plastic waste […]
Microplastics and Human Health: The Invisible Threat Inside Us All

Image by Canva In recent years, microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern, but less discussed is their potential impact on human health. These tiny nanoparticles, often less than 5mm in size, are everywhere from the air we breathe to the water we drink. They’re in our oceans, our air, and yes, even inside […]
Reflecting on NYC Climate Week 2024: Key Takeaways on Plastic and Climate Action

NYC Climate Week 2024 brought together global leaders, activists, and experts for an urgent conversation about the future of our planet. With over 900 events, this year’s event was the largest yet, focusing on accelerating climate solutions to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The theme for this year, “It’s Time,” underscores the urgency of accelerating climate […]
Retrouvé’s Commitment to Sustainability: How Brands are Driving Impact Through Partnerships

At Plastic Collective, we believe that real change happens when brands take meaningful action to address their plastic use. Our mission is to empower companies to manage plastic responsibly and work towards a sustainable, circular economy. One of the standout brands leading the way in this effort is Retrouvé, a luxury skincare brand committed to […]
Building Brighter Futures: SEArcular by Greencore’s Community School Has Opened in Surabaya

Today, we celebrate an inspiring story of transformation from our partner SEArcular by Greencore, who recently opened a renovated school in Surabaya, Indonesia, aiming to improve the lives of waste pickers children and families within the community. This initiative reflects the deep-rooted values of collaboration, sustainability, and education that we stand for. It is an excellent […]
Unlocking Financing to Combat the Plastics Crisis: Insights from the World Bank

The World Bank’s recent report, “Unlocking Financing to Combat the Plastics Crisis: Opportunities, Risks, and Recommendations for Plastic Credits,” dives deep into the evolving world of financing plastic pollution mitigation via plastic credits, offering key insights into where the market stands today and where it needs to go. This report is a valuable resource, shedding light […]
Why Achieving Plastic Net-Zero is Essential for B Corps

For B Corporations (B Corps), whose very identity is rooted in balancing purpose and profit, reducing plastic isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. Tackling the plastic waste crisis directly aligns with the environmental and social commitments that are core to any B Corp’s mission. If your business values environmental stewardship, reducing plastic waste is a […]