The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) has partnered with Circulate Capital, a leading circular economy investment firm, to develop solutions to combat ocean plastic pollution in South and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration announced at the Ocean Innovators Platform in Hong Kong – an FPA2-led initiative to promote sustainable solutions for the blue economy – represents a significant step in mobilizing private capital to tackle plastic pollution at its source.
The partnership will combine FPA2’s global environmental impact with Circulate Capital’s investment expertise in circular economy ventures to accelerate financing for companies that prevent plastic leaks and build sustainable value chains in coastal regions.
“The fight against plastic pollution in the oceans is one of the foundation’s top priorities,” said Olivier Wenden, deputy chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “Circulate Capital has demonstrated a compelling, market-based approach to solving this crisis in the hardest-hit regions. Our partnership marks an important step in scaling effective on-the-ground initiatives that protect marine ecosystems and support local livelihoods.”
South and Southeast Asia are responsible for almost 70% of the plastic that enters the world’s oceans each year. But according to the foundation, between 2018 and 2023, the region received only 10% of the $190 billion invested globally in the plastics circular economy.
Analysts estimate that improving recycling systems and managing poorly managed plastic waste across the region could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the same amount as shutting down 61 coal-fired power plants for a year. Achieving national recycling targets in six key markets could reduce global emissions from end-of-life 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 at our side, we can unlock the networks, capital and collaboration needed to tackle plastic pollution head-on.”
Since its founding, Circulate Capital has invested in 23 companies across Asia and Latin America, funding projects that reduce plastic pollution while having a social and climate impact.
The company’s portfolio has increased annual recycling capacity by 455,000 tons, avoided 627,000 tons of CO₂ emissions and improved the living conditions of more than 6,600 workers across the recycling value chain.
The new partnership aims to further expand this reach and direct more capital to local innovators working on waste collection, recycling infrastructure and alternative materials.
The alliance underscores a growing movement to align environmental philanthropy with market-driven investment strategies. By connecting impact investors with 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 is an example of how collaboration between foundations and private capital can create measurable and lasting change,” said Wenden. “The ocean connects us all – and protecting it requires such shared responsibility.”
