The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) has partnered with Circulate Capital, a leading circular economy investment firm, to address marine plastic pollution in South and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration announced at the Ocean Innovators Platform in Hong Kong – an initiative led by FPA2 to promote sustainable blue economy solutions – is an important step in mobilizing private capital to fight plastic pollution at its source.
This partnership will combine FPA2's global environmental impact with Circulate Capital's investment expertise to accelerate funding for businesses building sustainable value chains in coastal areas and preventing plastic leakage.
“The fight against marine plastic pollution is one of the Foundation's top priorities,” said Oliver Wenden, Vice-President and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “Circulate Capital has demonstrated an engaging, market-based approach to solving this crisis in the most impacted regions. Our partnership is an important step forward in driving effective, grassroots initiatives that protect marine ecosystems and support local livelihoods.”
South and Southeast Asia are responsible for approximately 70% of the plastic entering the world's oceans each year. Yet, according to the Foundation, the region received only 10% of the US$190 billion invested globally in plastic circularity between 2018 and 2023.
Analysts estimate that improving recycling systems and managing mismanaged plastic waste across the region could reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to shutting down 61 coal plants for a year. Meeting national recycling targets in six major markets could cut global emissions of plastics by 10% by 2030.
“We're not just getting a partner; we're getting a champion,” said Rob Kaplan, founder and CEO of Circulate Capital. “With the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, we can unlock the networks, capital and collaboration needed to tackle plastic pollution.”
Since its launch, Circulate Capital has invested in 23 companies in Asia and Latin America, funding projects that reduce plastic pollution while creating social and climate impact.
The firm's portfolio has added 455,000 tonnes of annual recycling capacity, avoided 627,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and improved the livelihoods of more than 6,600 workers across the entire recycling value chain.
The new partnership aims to expand that reach further, providing more capital to local innovators tackling waste collection, recycling infrastructure and alternative materials.
The alliance outlines a growing movement to combine environmental philanthropy with market-driven investment strategies. By connecting impactful investors to scalable solutions, FPA2 and Circulate Capital hope to redefine the way plastic pollution is tackled – turning waste into opportunity and sustainability into growth.
“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between foundations and private capital can drive measurable, lasting change,” Wenden said. “The ocean connects us all – and protecting it demands that kind of shared responsibility.”
