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Plastic Bank - Social Plastic® for Poverty and Pollution

Global (Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, Cameroon), Multi-Regional

A global social fintech enterprise enabling people in coastal communities to collect ocean-bound plastic waste and exchange it for money, school tuition, medical insurance, and essential services. Collected plastic becomes 'Social Plastic®' feedstock for manufacturing, creating a circular economy.

Behavior Goal

Transform plastic waste into a valuable currency that provides sustainable income for impoverished communities while preventing ocean plastic pollution.

Implementers & Partners

  • Plastic Bank
  • Local collection branches

Donors & Sponsors

  • SC Johnson
  • Henkel
  • Corporate partners

Key Takeaways

  • 1Collected 160+ million kg of plastic (8+ billion bottles) as of 2025
  • 2Supported 62,000+ collectors who increased income by up to 33%
  • 3Blockchain-secured app ensures transparent, traceable transactions
  • 4Collectors receive digital identity and bank accounts enabling financial inclusion

Sources

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