.svg)
This quick template can help you get started on mapping out an effective, comprehensive and realistic plastic reduction strategy.
Discover actionable strategies for businesses to combat plastic pollution. Understand how plastic reduction and recovery are both important tools while mapping a holistic sustainability action roadmap.
Plastic pollution is a global crisis that threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. With millions of metric tons entering our oceans annually and ineffective waste management systems in place, it's crucial for businesses to understand the complexities driving this issue. This article delves into the multi-faceted challenges of plastic pollution and the urgent need for action.
This blog outlines actionable ways brands can reduce plastic use, including packaging innovations and supply chain adjustments, to create sustainable practices that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.
Reducing plastic usage is no longer just about following a sustainability trend—it's about making smart business decisions that align with environmental responsibility, regulatory compliance, and consumer expectations. This blog explores why brands should reduce their reliance on plastic, covering its environmental and health impacts, the evolving regulatory landscape, and the business advantages of adopting plastic reduction strategies.
rePurpose Global drives Impact through 13 projects spread across Colombia, Cameroon, Kenya, India, and Indonesia. These projects address local plastic waste challenges, empower communities, and improve waste management while ensuring ethical recovery and transparency in data tracking.
.jpg)
There are many ways brands can address the global plastic waste crisis, even if they're based in North America or Europe. By financing projects elsewhere in the world, they can create quantifiable reductions in plastic pollution. This article highlight how rePurpose Global connects brand financing to verifiable action, leading to plastic recovery, social benefits, and environmental improvements.
rePurpose Global’s Verified Plastic Recovery (VPR) initiatives extend beyond mere plastic recovery to create meaningful social and environmental impacts. This article highlights VPR's role in empowering communities, enhancing waste management systems, and ensuring transparency in recovery efforts. Discover how your brand can make a tangible difference while advancing sustainability goals.
Plastic reduction and recovery are both essential to make meaningful change in the global plastic crisis. Verified Plastic Recovery (VPR) empowers businesses to act now by recovering plastic waste, protecting ecosystems, and supporting communities.
In this last of the 4-part blog on rePurpose Global's impact creation framework (BASE), we discuss how the 'E' for 'Evaluation' works. This involves building the capacity of partners and workers, using bespoke technology, and structuring internal and external audits to generate completely transparent, robust, and reliable data.
rePurpose Global's impact creation framework (BASE) sets out how plastic recovery impact is created. In this part 3 of 4 of the introduction to BASE, we look in more detail at 'S' for 'Solution': how Impact Projects are designed, and how they run on a day to day basis to ethically recover plastic waste.
In this part 2 of 4 of rePurpose Global's impact creation framework BASE, you will read more details about the Baseline and Additionality (B and A) elements that underpin our impact work.
In this article we introduce rePurpose Global's BASE framework for creating infrastructure and driving impact on nature-bound plastic. In this part 1 of 4, learn about our unique impact project model, and how BASE (Baseline, Additionality, Solution, Evaluation) underpins the work that we do around the world.
.jpg)
From enzyme-based plastic breakdown to advanced ocean-cleaning technologies, scientists have made significant strides in tackling plastic waste. The blog explores these innovations, their current impacts, and their potential long-term effectiveness in mitigating the global plastic crisis.
.jpg)
Outcomes-Based Financing as a modality for waste prevention stands out as a promising solution, demonstrating success in adjacent impact sectors such as health, biodiversity, and education. By linking financing to the achievement of measurable, verified reductions in plastic leakage, outcomes-based mechanisms are designed to mobilize and channel resources effectively and with more accountability from varied sources — companies in the value chain, governments, DFIs, philanthropies — towards solutions across the plastic pollution lifecycle, including both scaling reuse and refill implementation and financing critically lacking waste management infrastructure in underserved regions.
Uncover the power of purpose-driven action with rePurpose Global's 2023 annual report. Download the report from the link in the post. Highlights include passing 25 million kg of nature-bound plastic recovered, our work to shape international policy and create new financial mechanisms to bridge the finance gap in waste management, and other innovations and upgrades to accelerate an end to plastic pollution.
.jpeg)
Reuse Outcomes Fund is a first-of-its-kind, $1M prototype fund aimed at scaling reuse and refill solutions especially serving low and middle-income communities, in order to accelerate both measurable environmental outcomes and equitable access to waste reduction solutions worldwide. Learn why we need reuse and refill for all, and how do we get there?
rePurpose Global’s Impact Code is designed to put waste workers and communities at the forefront of our work to bring an end to the plastic crisis. It outlines a comprehensive set of guidelines and principles that define the nature of collaboration with our impact partners. The code goes beyond compliance with the law, and builds on internationally recognized standards to drive life-changing opportunities for communities worldwide.
rePurpose Global’s Verified Plastic Recovery Protocol (VPRP) is a comprehensive framework designed to address the global plastic waste crisis. It provides a detailed and robust framework for designing and implementing credible impact projects. You can download the VPRP in the post. By building on best practice and ensuring effective project design and implementation, the VPRP creates an industry-leading example for stakeholders in how to effectively run plastic waste recovery projects.
%20(1).jpg)
In 2023, rePurpose Global recovered over 14.6 million kilograms of plastic waste from nature and empowered over 2,300 waste workers. Read on to journey through seven highlights from 2023 and see how we’re making progress on our mission to end waste and drive more circular solutions.
At Sustainable Brands’ Brand-Led Culture Change Conference (BLCC) 2023, our co-founder and Chief Impact Officer Aditya Siroya delivered a presentation highlighting the magnitude of the plastic waste crisis. Watch this talk to hear mroe about the need for brands to to action to move towards sustainable and circular solutions, and explore how brands and consumers can work together to bring an end to plastic waste.
.jpg)
rePurpose Global's project Saaf Samudra recovers ocean-bound plastic waste in Goa, India. Azadé, the Digital Brand Manager at rePurpose Global, spent a day with workers on the project and shares her experiences and insights through this photo essay.
.jpg)
Is it possible for a brand in North America or Europe to address the global plastic waste crisis by supporting a project elsewhere in the world? The short answer, is 'yes'! Read on to see how brands funding waste recovery, as well as committing to reduction strategies, leads to quantifiable action on plastic pollution.
%20(1).jpg)
In 2022, rePurpose Global joined forces with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) to build a project to ethically manage neglected low-value plastic waste in rural India. The project ensures end-to-end plastic waste management across 8 villages along the coast of Kerala, India. Read on to find out how our intervention succeeded in providing waste management services to over 32,000 households and diverted over 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste from nature.
rePurpose Global's impact projects support waste workers and their communities. They are designed to overcome many of the injustices faced by waste workers, and to provide new and better opportunities for workers and their communities. Read on to see how rePurpose Global has enshrined this in a guiding set of safeguards for projects, workers, and communities.
There's no doubt that 2022 was our biggest yet. rePurpose Global recovered over 23 million lbs of plastic waste from nature in 2022, and engaged with around 2,000 waste workers. Read on to journey through three of our impact projects, and see how our growth is resulting in impactful nature-bound plastic recovery.
We are producing and wasting plastic at unprecedented rates. Wealthier countries that produce the most are recycling little plastic waste, and incinerating or exporting more: contributing to global environmental problems. Though solutions are available, action is happening too slowly. Read on to find out why we are all responsible for what's happening, and how we can all be part of the solution.
How can you be sure that your plastic recovery is tracked and verified? This article provides an overview of the processes that rePurpose Global has put in place to make sure that impact on plastic pollution is measured, trackable, and verifiable – as well as beneficial for the environment and waste workers.
Many organizations today help companies to access plastic recovery projects in ways that create social and environmental change. But, as always, some programs are more robust, more impactful, and more responsible to the people and communities they are working with. Knowing what to look for will help you understand your options and find the most appropriate plastic action partnership for your business. This article will lead you through four important pillars of a responsible plastic recovery program.
.jpg)
rePurpose Global launched the Plastic Reality Project to inspire sustainability leaders and spark more effective action to tackle plastic pollution. Our inaugural cohort kicked off in fall 2022 with a week-long trip to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in India. This photo essay below walks through some of the highlights from the experience
Almost 80% of plastic products end up in landfills or the environment. Through the appropriate end-of-life management of plastic, we can moderate its leakage into the environment.
Plastic waste: out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind. A visit to a facility in Kerala provides a window into the scale of the plastic waste crisis, while the solutions on show also provide a vision of hope for the future.
A plastic footprint is the total weight of plastic used or produced over a defined period of time. Measuring our plastic footprint helps us to manage our plastic use more effectively.
Getting certified for action on plastic waste and funding plastic recovery can help you create meaningful, impactful, and reportable impact - and communicate action to customers.
By leveraging plastic recovery financing from brands, we can work together to provide dignified employment for waste workers, reduce social ostracization, and empower women — all of which has transformative impact on communities around the world.
Carbon and Plastic footprints are increasingly alarming indicators of our growing environmental impact. Fighting climate change begins with reducing these footprints, but how?
Verified Plastic Recovery (VPR) is an innovative financing tool that enables organizations to directly fund immediate recovery of ocean-bound plastic waste. Read more about how this works - incentivizing action; and funding infrastructure, systems, and innovations.
.png)
Verified Plastic Recovery (VPR) involves the ethical collection, sorting, and recovery of plastic waste. This blog defines VPR, considers why VPR is needed, and looks at four different ways that brands funding VPR can communicate their action.
Businesses taking action on plastic pollution can generate a return on investment by increasing sales and revenues, taking advantage of unique and impactful marketing opportunities, motivating their employees, and meeting retailers' sustainability criteria. The alternative - failing to act - means missing out on these advantages, and continuing to contribute to the plastic waste crisis.
.jpg)
This provides a snapshot of how we work together to build conscious brands, support waste workers, and take action on plastic waste. Case studies of nine rePurpose Global partner brands that we met up with at Natural Products Expo West, 2023.
.jpg)
Citizens around the world see the plastic waste crisis as a top environmental concern. Consumer research suggests that consumers are looking to brands to take action on plastic pollution. This article looks at the evidence, and explores how brands can stay ahead as the CPG market adapts to this fundamental shift.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a promising policy instrument to address plastic waste, but conscious companies are not waiting for regulations: many are already taking action on their plastic footprints. This article explores how EPR may impact these companies, and makes some recommendations for how they can preserve the value of their existing voluntary efforts.
Three CPG brands, Farrington Oils, Nature’s Logic, and Safe Catch, have joined rePurpose Global to assess their footprint, and drive action.
Evolve your brand’s affordable waste solutions to generate product appeal and preserve the environment, both at the same time.
Here’s how big industry players like Lyft, Patagonia and Danone took up sustainable initiatives to elevate their businesses while helping the planet.
To reduce the impact the manufacturing industry has on the environment, many facilities are adopting more sustainable, eco-friendly methods. These initiatives are not only beneficial for the planet, but they also help companies improve their bottom line.
While we wait for the pandemic to subside, the planet cannot afford to. Here is a tactical guide on why and how your brand can still pursue sustainability under COVID-19.
As a new element of leadership, CSR is an important differentiator of business performance. But, how do you choose the right CSR initiative for your company?
In collaboration with the United Nations World Oceans Day official celebration, rePurpose Global brought together an inter-generational panel of 4 leading organizations on Innovating Ocean Finance.
A growing number of consumers around the world are beginning to expect nothing but the best from brands, inspiring stronger accountability and purpose-driven practices. However, these expectations have also triggered the beginning of cancel culture, with many brands facing backlash from watchdogs, consumers, and activists for doing something as harmless as stating their impact goals.
The failure to inject efforts into the right initiatives will exhaust our resources on impact innovations that are not as worthwhile or time-critical right now. That’s why we need to be precise about the initiatives we choose to support.
For businesses, being purposeful is no longer a luxury. So how do brands amplify their impact journey and build a loyal community of customers?
Every organization was deep in 2022 planning mode, and the same question was on everyone’s mind: if sustainability has become table stakes, then what’s the next frontier? How do we differentiate ourselves in this oversaturated marketplace?
With our climate movement predominantly led by white people, we need to face the climate movement’s diversity problem which seems to exclude the people facing the brunt of it: people of colour.
How do we navigate this dilemma of “progress versus perfect”, and move past the psychological gridlocks that are paralyzing a whole generation into apathy?
The climate crisis is complex and ever-changing — it is the coming together of many moving parts that will ultimately make a meaningful impact. Only when we truly internalize this humbling realization can we start to combat Climate Hype.
Earth Day, Ocean Week, Plastic Free July, Sustainable September — it’s almost as if the invisible architects of the sustainability ‘award season’ made a backroom deal with the Hollywood associations and said “it’s our turn after you finish up”. Every organization (including ourselves!) — from brands and non-profits, to startups and elected officials — line up to profess their love for the planet and vow to do more for it, while onlookers entertain the spectacle.
.jpg)
This Earth Month, join us in fighting plastic pollution in the Himalayas through The Great Himalayan Clean Up. Partnering with over 30 brands, we're cleaning up 8 natural sites across the region. This article will guide you on how you can support our brand partners' efforts.
At this year’s edition of Impact Unleashed hosted by the Pet Sustainability Coalition, our co-founder and CEO Svanika Balasubramanian delivered an engaging presentation highlighting the urgency of the plastic waste crisis and the need for brands to take immediate action towards more sustainable and circular solutions.
How does a bottle of Mananalu water help to prevent the damaging impact of plastic waste on Indonesia’s oceans and marine life? Powered by rePurpose Global, Mananalu's 'Drink One: Remove One' promise claims to do just that - for every bottle you drink, Mananalu finances the removal and recycling of the equivalent of one ocean-bound plastic bottle. Let's look at how that really works.
Mananalu's Drink One, Remove One impact program with rePurpose Global is not only fighting plastic pollution, but also part of a transformative effort to improve the lives of waste workers in Indonesia.
.jpg)
The packaging industry is constantly evolving to adapt to the needs of our planet. At the Sustainable Packaging Coalition Impact event in April 2023, experts discussed what happens next in the world of sustainable packaging. The event covered packaging design, digital tools, and the controversies surrounding EPR programs.
This is a case study on WildClean’s partnership with rePurpose Global that spotlights their ongoing efforts to be a leading environmentally-conscious brand, and how they are ‘walking the talk’ by taking action on plastic pollution.
We often talk about being a coalition: part of a movement to fight plastic pollution. But what does that really mean? At rePurpose Global we have recovered over 18 million kilograms of nature-bound plastic to date but we don't achieve this alone. We partner with Purposeful brands and their employees; Waste innovators and waste workers; Industry leaders and international bodies; and Conscious individuals. Read on to find out more about our Plastic Action Coalition.
.png)
Burt’s Bees and rePurpose Global announce a multi-year partnership to finance critical recycling infrastructure that prevents plastic waste from flowing into the ocean. The initiative promises to eliminate more than 1.5 million pounds of ocean-bound plastic waste by the end of 2024.
Certified Plastic Neutral and Plastic Negative brands, including Earth Animal, Nature’s Logic, Pet Finn, and Animal Essentials, are taking action to combat plastic waste, while simultaneously creating a positive socio-economic impact for marginalized waste workers.
rePurpose Global is now creating environmental impact in collaboration with 100 personal care brands based in over 15 countries. On behalf of this coalition, the social enterprise is removing 4127 tons of plastic waste every year, the equivalent of 208 million plastic bottles in weight.
We are delighted to announce that rePurpose Global is partnering with Lil Bucks a sustainable superfood company obsessed with buckwheat and preserving the planet.
We are so excited to be a part of the Pear Accelerator this summer as mentorship from serial entrepreneurs and growth-focused resources will fastrack rePurpose to enable impact on a grand scale.
From impact at grass-roots level to creating green footprints, learn more aout how Waste Ventures India is leading the change in solid waste recycling practices.
The rePurpose Global team roamed the halls of Natural Products Expo West. Here the team share four ‘below-the-surface’ insights from the event – including opportunities for brands to make more of an impact.
.jpeg)
Burt’s Bees uses 50% post-consumer recycled content in its packaging and aims to reduce its reliance on virgin plastic and fiber by another 50% by 2030. Learn what’s next for the brand from Matt Kopac: Associate Director, Health and Beauty Sustainability at Burt’s Bees.
Which is a more sustainable material for drinks bottles? Glass or plastic? rePurpose Global support brands to move away from plastic packaging - especially when it's non-recyclable - and towards more circular solutions. But this blog - through the lens of glass vs plastic - provides a quick introduction to why it's not always a straightforward environmental decision.
Low Value Plastic (LVP) is any plastic where the costs of collecting and processing the plastic waste are higher than the revenue generated from sales of the recovered plastic. LVP can therefore be any plastic, depending on the geography, but often refers to hard-to-recycle plastics such as Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP), and other soft, flexible plastics. This blog looks at why these plastics are deemed 'low value', why they are hard to recycle, why they are such a challenge in the fight against plastic pollution, and some potential solutions.
In this guest post from Karma Wallet, they break down 5 ways to help you to tell when brands are greenwashing – and look at one way to find better brands to shop with.
COVID-19 has changed everything, from the way we shop to how we jog down the street. Reflecting on this global shift in human behavior may teach us a thing or two about how to treat the planet.
Our generation is a huge part of the climate change movement, we have seen students hit the streets, politicians stress the urgent need for green policies and other young leaders rise to fight the global crisis and emerge as climate change leaders.
Recycling doesn't work at a level that we need today – only 9% of plastics actually get recycled; the other 91% of plastics are landfilled or incinerated.
What’s the dark side of waste processing? Learn more about how the plastic products and packagings used by you affect someone on the other side of the world.
Most sustainability platforms and organisations say that reducing your plastic waste is the best and most effective way to combat plastic pollution and the various impacts associated with it. But as a consumer, it is hard to change your habits if you don’t feel like you are affecting the eventual outcome in a significant way. So will these country-level bans ever work?
Learn more about how the economics of waste plays a vital role in India’s ecosystem and how it has turned our garbage probelm into such a mess.
We want to help our readers avoid “aspirational recycling” and instead engage in effective recycling. We have put together a quick 3-step guide to recycling well and not just recycle. Nowadays, recycling is commonplace nearly everywhere. From recycling cans on street corners to recycling bins in schools and office buildings, to household recycling, there are […]
Southeast Asian Nations have been importing the Global North’s plastic waste since decades. But, now they’re beginning to fight back.
Take a look at the various plastic bag bans and taxes across the world to understand their challenges and the impact they have created in their communities.
From being ridden with trash to being trash-free areas, these successful beach clean-ups have created long lasting impact on local beaches.
The ocean plastic epidemic is growing quickly and costing us marine lives. But, these 5 non-profits fighting ocean plastics today might just save us.
Recycling is a $200 billion industry and countries are making progress. Learn more about the latest recycling facts from around the world.
With over 300 million tons of plastic being produced every year, plastic is very much part of every aspect of our lives. Incarcerated a lot of times, air pollution by burning of plastic affects millions today. Bus, how is it caused?
It’s clear that we are facing a plastic dependency issue that seems to pose more problems than any of the materials in our everyday lives, but what about the material makes it so harmful? Turns out, exactly what made it so popular in the first place.
How much plastic can you see? Food containers, plastic bottles, pens, even your phone cover, the list is endless. Despite its ubiquity, the effects of plastic pollution on human health remain mostly unknown to the majority of people. Have you ever thought about the negative effects of the plastic pollution that we’re increasing day-by-day on your health?
The impact of plastic in our forests is monumental. From its sand to its inhabitants, everyone is negatively affected, but how?
We often see harrowing images circulating throughout the media: a picture of a beached whale whose stomach is filled with plastic bags, or of sea turtles whose necks are wrapped in plastic rings of soda cans. But how do our plastics enter our oceans? The plastic straws, bottles, and cups that we see littering our […]
Since more than half the plastic we consume is discarded after one use, they cause severe degradation to our planet. But which of these plastics are the major contributors to plastic pollution?
Learn more about how the economics of waste plays a vital role in India’s ecosystem and how it has turned our garbage probelm into such a mess.
Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. We see the logo. We hear the tagline everywhere. Yet, only 9% of plastics get recycled and the rest goes to landfills, oceans, and dumpsites.
With the impact of plastic pollution becoming clearer by the day, it is important to understand what microplastics are and the effect of microplastics on human health.
Governments and private companies alike have been trying to find ocean pollution solutions since years in order to tackle this problem. But, we have a new approach!
A huge portion of single-use plastic in our collective footprint comes from plastic plates which is threatening our environment. But we have a solution that can help solve this problem.
Did you know that 91 percent of plastic isn't recycled? Learn the factors that prevent higher rates of recycling and why some plastics are not recyclable.
Often, environmentally-conscious consumers pay a premium for sustainable goods, hoping that the missions purported by businesses mean we, as individuals, are taking individual steps towards a better future. But, are those ads true or just greenwashing?
Legislation against plastic is necessary for a more sustainable economy. But corporate lobbying can be a powerful tool for standing in the way.
With over 90.5% of plastic waste going unrecycled, guerilla or small scale recycling can create a huge impact in the space, and YOU can contribute.
Learn what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle and our tips for getting started. We can all take small steps and go green.
Our list of zero waste bloggers, speakers and influencers around the world who we think will inspire you at every stage of your zero waste journey.
Inspired by the zero waste movement, some easy zero waste essentials you can switch to and use to start your sustainability journey today!
Who is a conscious consumer? What is the conscious consumerism all about? Learn more about its impact and how you can become a conscious consumer today!
With key green concepts like composting, biodegradability and recyclability getting used increasingly day by day, it’s important to understand their difference both in use and impact.
With consumers becoming increasingly wary of fast fashion brands’ greenwashing, these 6 eco-friendly clothing brands are setting the trend!
Plastic bottles can last for 450 years in marine environments. Learn how plastic affects ocean life to uncover the importance of plastic waste management.
With the world moving towards sustainable living and products for a greener future, here are some brands that will help you incorporate the same in your daily routine.
‘Tis the season to protect the planet! Follow this handy set of tips and tricks to celebrate a zero-waste Christmas this year.
You can help the planet while helping yourself this new year by taking these sustainable new year resolutions to heart and vowing to not break them all year.
We know that your sustainable resolutions are important to you and will do all we can to keep you from hitting that roadblock. Here are some powerful tips to help you achieve your sustainable living goals in 2020.
The increasing popularity of online shopping is raising environmental concerns. So, what are some ways to go green while shopping online to make sure our purchases don’t hurt the planet?
As one of the household’s largest waste creators, the kitchen is a great place to start your zero-waste journey. Check out these easy tips and combat the waste in your kitchen today!
Are free online shopping returns really as free as advertised? We might not be paying for them but the environment sure is.
Planning where to shop is the first step to reduce. The common grocery store is the largest creator of waste, especially plastic.
Marine plastic pollution is increasing daily. Immediate action is needed to take a stand and begin to address the plastic epidemic threatening our oceans.
Many factors contribute to air pollution: burning of fossil fuels, the release of chemical pesticides, and now plastic pollution. But how does plastic cause air pollution?
From helping our marine life to working on clean tech, learn more about these international non-profits who are changing the world.
Over the past decade, climate change has been unveiled for the dangerous reality that it is. Our planet is imbalanced and we are witnessing the effects of it firsthand, today. Here’s a timeline tracing the trajectory of climate change through the 2010s.
In today’s consumerist world, we have all fallen prey to two major polluting industries: fast fashion and fast food. Let’s take a look at the extent of our impact and how we can be better.
We all know that our planet is going through some drastic changes that need to be acted upon now. But do we understand the reasons behind these issues? This compilation of must-watch environmental documentaries can help break it down for you.
In this article, I will dissect the economic, social, and psychological intricacies of the Trump era in an attempt to offer insights and recommendations for how we can reshape the climate movement towards a more inclusive and impactful future.
Crypto has promised to disrupt so many other industries: why wouldn’t it find another home in the climate movement? In this article, we scratch beneath the shiny surface of blockchain as a tool to advance climate action and question whether it justifies the hype.
What are the 7 types of plastic? These are plastic categories that vary in their chemical composition, purpose, recyclability, and hazardous nature.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environmental Program is leading the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
.png){kind=small}