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2025 Progress Report by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste

On September 9, 2026, the Alliance to End Plastic Waste unveiled its 2025 Progress Report, entitled Strategy in Action, which highlights the initial developments made in the first year of implementing its ambitious Strategy 2030. This pivotal strategy aims to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste and enhance the global shift towards a circular economy.

Since its inception in 2019, the Alliance has made substantial headway, successfully reducing 378,147 tonnes of unmanaged plastic waste while valorising 418,529 tonnes. In 2025 alone, it recorded a reduction of 138,162 tonnes and valorisation of 165,317 tonnes, showcasing a concerted effort to combat plastic pollution effectively.

Funding and Engagement

The report emphasized the Alliance’s ability to garner impressive funding commitments, totaling US$641 million from various third parties and impact investors since 2019. This funding has been critical in driving numerous education and behavior change initiatives, which have reached over 1.5 million individuals. Throughout 2025, the Alliance collaborated with 559 organizations to finance, develop, and implement significant projects aimed at enhancing plastic waste management practices.

Transitioning to Larger-Scale Programs

In line with Strategy 2030, the Alliance is evolving from smaller projects to more extensive integrated Country and Thematic Programs. This strategic shift ensures targeted interventions are made where they will most significantly impact recycling maturity and tackle intricate challenges surrounding plastics.

For instance, in Indonesia, the Alliance is leading systematic changes within waste management, executed alongside the Government of Indonesia and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) through the Solid Waste Management for Sustainable Urban Development (SWM-SUD) initiative. A remarkable pilot program launched in Malang Regency, East Java, is integrating waste collection, sorting, and stronger connections with local recyclers, with a commitment of up to US$40 million to scale these successes across multiple localities.

Conversely, in India, a municipal waste processing facility has been constructed in partnership with local authorities, currently operating at 75% capacity. This facility aims to process up to 300 tonnes of waste daily, effectively diverting 80% of the city's waste from ending up in landfills.

Tackling Flexible Plastics

The Alliance’s Thematic Programs emphasize addressing market-driven barriers, particularly targeting challenging materials like flexible plastics. Collaborative efforts in Europe and North America are underway under its Flexibles Program, centering around viable markets to ensure solutions for recapturing value from flexible plastics align with real-world needs.

A notable initiative in Phoenix, Arizona, implements a new model for collecting flexible plastics from smaller commercial and industrial sites, such as hospitals and manufacturers, which typically lack sufficient volume for traditional collection methods. This innovative approach facilitates recycling opportunities that were previously unattainable, reducing the burden on traditional waste management systems.

Financing for a Circular Economy

The report also delved into the financial mechanisms that are crucial for advancing a circular economy for plastics. As mobilizing capital continues to present challenges, the Alliance has positioned itself as a catalyst for investment, leveraging its expertise to mitigate project risks and unlock additional funding streams.

One prominent initiative includes the Plastic Circularity Strategy, which aims to provide growth equity capital to companies driving innovative solutions for plastic circularity. This strategic investment underscores the Alliance’s commitment to fostering viable business models that contribute to environmental sustainability, represented by ambitious enterprises like Spain’s Fych Technologies and Switzerland’s Bloom Biorenewables.

Conclusion

In summary, the 2025 Progress Report paints a hopeful picture of the efforts undertaken by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste. The collective endeavors not only signify a reduction in plastic waste but also point towards enhanced collaboration between stakeholders across the globe. With sustained partnerships and innovative approaches, the Alliance is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable future. To learn more, interested parties can read the comprehensive 2025 Progress Report on the Alliance's official website.