Alliance to End Plastic Waste reports global gains, scales up recycling and circular economy projects

GLOBAL – The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) has released its 2024 Progress Report, showcasing significant strides in global efforts to eliminate plastic waste and accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

The report highlights that, since its inception in 2019, the Alliance has mobilized more than US$1.2 billion in collective investment, engaging with over 500 partners worldwide to scale impact-driven solutions.

In 2024, the Alliance sharpened its focus on advancing waste management infrastructure, driving innovation in recycling technologies, and supporting communities most affected by mismanaged plastic waste.

Among the standout achievements, the Alliance reported more than 60 active projects across 30 countries, spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.

These projects range from developing advanced chemical recycling facilities to grassroots collection initiatives that empower informal waste workers.

The Alliance also announced progress in digital traceability platforms, helping to strengthen transparency across the plastics value chain.

“Ending plastic waste requires both local action and global collaboration,” said Jacob Duer, President and CEO of the Alliance.

“This year’s report demonstrates the power of partnerships to unlock innovation, scale impact, and move us closer to a world without plastic waste.”

Key initiatives in 2024 included scaling the Closing the Loop project in Ghana, which integrates informal waste collectors into formal recycling systems, and expanding partnerships with city governments in Southeast Asia to modernize collection infrastructure.

The Alliance also invested in next-generation recycling startups, advancing technologies that convert hard-to-recycle plastics into new raw materials.

Beyond technology, the Alliance continued its commitment to education and community engagement.

In India, school-based awareness campaigns reached more than 500,000 students, while in Kenya, small enterprises received training and funding to expand local recycling capacity.

Looking ahead, the Alliance pledged to deepen collaboration with governments and industry stakeholders to strengthen policies and standards that drive circularity.

Its 2025 goals include expanding project footprints to an additional 15 countries and boosting investments in scalable recycling and recovery technologies.

The 2024 Progress Report underscores both progress and urgency. With plastic waste projected to nearly double by 2040 without intervention, the Alliance stresses that collective action, innovation, and sustainable investment are critical to bending the curve.

“Plastic is valuable when used responsibly and kept in circulation,” Duer added. “Our task is to ensure it never becomes waste.”

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE