The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) has partnered with Circulate Capital, a leading circular economy investment firm, to scale solutions addressing ocean plastic pollution across South and Southeast Asia.
The collaboration, announced at the Ocean Innovators Platform in Hong Kong — an initiative led by FPA2 to promote sustainable blue economy solutions — marks a significant step in mobilising private capital to fight plastic pollution at its source.
The partnership will combine FPA2’s global environmental influence with Circulate Capital’s investment expertise in circular economy ventures to accelerate funding for businesses that prevent plastic leakage and build sustainable value chains in coastal regions.
“The fight against ocean plastic pollution is one of the Foundation’s highest priorities,” said Olivier Wenden, Vice 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 regions most affected. 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 nearly 70% of the plastic entering the world’s oceans each year. Yet, according to the Foundation, the region received just 10% of the US$190 billion invested globally in plastic circularity between 2018 and 2023.
Analysts estimate that improving recycling systems and managing mismanaged plastic waste across the region could reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to shutting down 61 coal plants for a year. Meeting national recycling targets in six key markets could cut global emissions from plastics end-of-life by 10% by 2030.
“We aren’t 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 alongside us, we can unlock the networks, capital, and collaboration needed to tackle plastic pollution head-on.”
Since its launch, Circulate Capital has invested in 23 companies across Asia and Latin America, financing projects that reduce plastic pollution while creating social and climate impact.
The firm’s portfolio has added 455,000 tonnes of annual recycling capacity, avoided 627,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, and improved the livelihoods of more than 6,600 workers throughout the recycling value chain.
The new partnership aims to extend that reach further, channelling more capital to local innovators tackling 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 how plastic pollution is tackled — turning waste into opportunity and sustainability into growth.
“This partnership exemplifies how collaboration between foundations and private capital can deliver measurable, lasting change,” Wenden said. “The ocean connects us all — and protecting it demands that kind of shared responsibility.”
