7 highlights from rePurpose Global in 2023

‍1. Plastic Waste Recovery: 14.6 Million Kilograms... and counting

In 2023 alone, rePurpose Global successfully recovered 14.6 million kilograms* of plastic waste that otherwise would have ended up in the oceans, rivers, forests, lakes, landfills, and other natural ecosystems (*note: currently a projection since some is still in the process of being verified).

Starting seven years ago, rePurpose Global embarked on a mission to protect sensitive ecosystems and marginalized communities from plastic pollution. Thanks to the support of over 300 purposeful brands, impact partners, and our hardworking team, this mission is now a reality.

As our mission continues, we're on track to hit another milestone - 30 million kg of plastic recovery from nature - in the next few months.

‍2. Empowering over 2,300 Waste Workers Across 15 Impact Projects:

Our commitment to creating tangible impact extends beyond plastic waste recovery. Through various projects, we empowered over 2,300 waste workers, providing opportunities for safer and more dignified livelihoods. These initiatives continued across 15 Impact Projects spanning six countries, across the Americas, Africa, and Asia – exemplifying the global reach of our mission.

‍3. Co-convening the Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty (IAGPT)

Collaboration and innovation are at the core of our mission. Currently, our efforts are directed towards the United Nations' Global Plastics Treaty, expected to be legally binding by 2024.

Despite recognizing the importance of innovation-led systems change in combating plastic pollution, there's a lack of representation from solutionists in policymaking. This realization led us, alongside The Ocean Cleanup, to establish the Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty (IAGPT).

This platform unites a global group of startups, ecosystem enablers, technology companies, philanthropists, and investors, to accelerate plastic action, innovation, and progress towards zero plastic pollution by 2040. Today, the alliance comprises over 100 leading global solution providers, aiming to bridge the gap between innovation and plastics policymaking.

Additionally, alongside Earth Action (ea), we introduced our Outcome-Based Financing (OBF) innovation at an INC meeting in Kenya in November 2023. OBF ties payments to specific, measurable outcomes, ensuring investments yield tangible impacts like reducing plastic waste and its environmental effects.

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4. Svanika Balasubramanian Recognized in Edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2023

Our co-founder and CEO, Svanika Balasubramanian, received well-deserved recognition in Edie's 30 Under 30 Class of 2023. This initiative shines a spotlight on talented sustainability and net-zero professionals – aged under 30 – who are delivering on efforts to build a better future and showing fantastic promise for their future potential. This accolade spotlights her impactful contributions to sustainability and net-zero efforts, acknowledging her dedication to making a positive difference on a global scale.

5. Second Iteration of the Plastic Reality Project

In October, we hosted the second edition of the Plastic Reality Project. We took an exclusive cohort of business leaders to India to see the plastic waste crisis and innovative solutions - up close and in person.

Partners, including GreenBiz Group, Mananalu, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, VAHDAM®️ India, BeatBox Beverages, The Lemon Perfect Company, Winky Lux, and Buywholefoodsonline, gained  first-hand experience of the challenges, solutions, and individuals driving change in the global plastic crisis. 

During the week-long journey, attendees visited our projects, Sada Shakti in Bangalore, and Saaf Samudra in Goa, witnessing the impact of their support. From exploring landfill sites in Bengaluru to engaging with informal recyclers, they experienced the realities of plastic waste management.

Key highlights of the trip included meeting Clinton Vaz from vRecycle, a pioneer in waste management and ethical employment in the region. They also explored the unfortunate status quo of waste management in Goa and Bengaluru, and participated in waste collection and sorting at our Saaf Samudra project site.

The trip concluded with the group getting together to clean up Grande Island off the shore of Goa, collecting 270 kilograms of waste. The whole experience left attendees more aware, and more committed to fighting the global plastic waste crisis.

6. Honorable Mention at Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards 2023

The Plastic Reality Project initiative received an Honorable Mention at Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards 2023. The first edition, in 2022, was a week-long experience that inspired and educated a cohort of industry leaders. We are grateful to Sustainable Ocean Alliance and  Greenbiz Group for supporting this initiative. This recognition is a testament to our ongoing efforts to shine a spotlight on the global plastic waste crisis, and to make it easier for brands to be a part of the solution. The award featured over 2,200 entries across various categories, and we are grateful to be amongst the Honorable Mentions. 

7. Collaborating with Over 300 Purposeful Businesses

In 2023 rePurpose Global collaborated with over 300 purposeful businesses, who are collectively taking action on plastic waste and working on footprint reduction strategies.

Together all our brand partners - past and present - have funded the recovery of over 24.6 million kg of plastic from the environment (between 2020 and 2023), as they continue to simultaneously reduce plastic use. This collaborative approach reflects the power of collective action in creating a more sustainable and responsible business ecosystem.

Conclusion

As we celebrate these achievements, we’re grateful for the support of our brand coalition, and the invaluable partnerships that make our mission possible.

Looking ahead to 2024, we are inspired to reach new milestones and make an even greater impact on our journey towards a more sustainable and circular economy, and a plastic waste-free future. 

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If you haven't already, why not explore the opportunity to join rePurpose Global's coalition in 2024?
Choose a project, contribute to a community focused on purpose-driven, waste-fighting, and life-changing impact. Reach out for more details on how collaborating with rePurpose Global can address the global plastic waste crisis where it's needed the most.