State of Plastic Waste in 2020
Plastic pollution has drastically changed for the worse over the years. It is an issue that was the focus in last week’s blog, creating a conversation that urges consumers to look at the problem at hand and take action.
Read more here: The P Word
However, for a bigger and more immediate impact, how can those with more power take action? Audrey Choi, Chief Sustainability Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Morgan Stanley, points out in her article that “the search for solutions must include individuals, corporations, investors, governments and academics because the problem is too big to be solved by just one industry or invention.”
The Wealth in Waste
Fortunately, powerful footage sparked interest and brought awareness to the harmful and deadly effects plastic have to our environment and animal life. Consequently, movement after movement that opposes the use and production of single-use plastic has grown. This, in turn, pushes investors to be fervent in becoming part of the solutions that provide economic and financial returns while also creating positive environmental impact — and all of this progress started with a turtle.
Rob Kaplan, Forbes author and the Founder and CEO of Circulate Capital, states that capital is essential to reach these solutions, through an informative article entitled, “How The New Plastic Waste Asset Class Can Help Solve Ocean Pollution” that highlights: the plastic problem, where to start, and how the investment opportunities in the area has evolved over the years.
“With consumer interest in the issue of plastic pollution at an all-time high, investors are asking themselves: What can I do to place my investments at the forefront of the effort to address the problem?” – Morgan Stanley
Creating solutions to alleviate the impact of plastic waste does not only help solve a global problem; it also creates opportunities for investments.
“Green bonds and sustainability bonds are fertile areas of opportunity for investors interested in plastic-pollution mitigation. Among both bond issuers and investors, demand for climate-friendly bonds continues to rise and, as the sector continues to evolve, we anticipate the emergence of more specific investment solutions that address plastic pollution.” – The Future Of Investing In Plastic Waste Solutions
Companies Involved In Addressing Plastic Waste
As new markets emerge around sustainability, there is continuous innovation in terms of packaging, marketing and actions that point towards environmental health.
S’well CEO insights “S’well’s CEO explains how consumer consciousness is embracing sustainability, forming a new playing field for the plastics industry and establishing a more circular economy.”
Read: Reimagining the Plastics Economy
Additionally, over 40 companies including Pepsico, Shell and ExxonMobil, an Alliance was formed to tackle and end plastic waste.
The Alliance is “starting with $1.5 billion over the next five years – and we welcome all companies, big or small, from all regions and sectors to support this effort.”
You can join them here.
Conclusion
With the current technology and information we have at hand, there are limitless possibilities in innovation and endless opportunities to solve our global plastic challenge. Capital markets will always be significant in developing these solutions, and the field of waste management welcomes new ideas, and all kinds of entrepreneurs to help find sustainable and steadfast solutions.
Head Photo by Martijn Baudoin on Unsplash
