12 New Companies Join Alliance to End Plastic Waste

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste (AEPW) recently welcomed 12 new companies from across the plastics value chain. The new members expand both the global footprint of the alliance and the participation of companies across the plastics value chain seeking to develop and bring to scale solutions to help eliminate plastic waste in the environment.

"As leaders of companies that represent the full spectrum of the plastics value chain, we are acutely aware that plastic waste in our environment is a serious and growing problem, especially in our oceans.  This complex, global challenge requires a comprehensive approach across the plastics lifecycle, and we are committed to bringing forth sustainable solutions," said David Taylor, chairman of the board, president and CEO of Procter & Gamble and chairman of the AEPW, in a statement.

Launched in January 2019 with 27 founding members, the alliance now includes 39 companies around the world that make, use, sell, process, collect and recycle plastics. This includes chemical and plastic manufacturers, consumer goods companies, retailers, converters and waste management companies. Member companies have committed more than $1.0 billion with the goal of investing $1.5 billion over the next five years to help end plastic waste in the environment. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a founding strategic partner.

By bringing together the entire plastics value chain, the alliance will apply the expertise of each sector, the collective resources and reach of companies from around the world and insights from those that operate in the regions where the challenge is greatest. Together, alliance members have developed a global vision and a comprehensive, integrated strategy focusing on:

The 12 companies that have joined the alliance are: EQUATE Petrochemical Company, Gemini Corporation, Grupo Phoenix, Mondi, Novolex, PepsiCo, Sealed Air Corporation, Sinopec, SKC co., ltd., Storopack, TOMRA and Westlake Chemical Corporation. 

"By advancing a globally coordinated effort focused on recovering, recycling and reusing plastics, we will develop a global business model that creates value from waste, making it a resource rather than a throw away," said Taylor in a statement. "By working together to implement solutions across continents, we can tackle this problem and continue to support the growing needs of a more prosperous and healthy world. Ending plastic waste takes a coordinated effort, and we are moving with urgency to meet the challenge."