Circulate Capital, Ellen’s role & where they’re based geographically

Ellen, as the Chief Impact Officer at Circulate Capital, is tasked with driving impact and insights while managing ESG considerations throughout the investment process. Circulate Capital, an investment firm based in Singapore, specializes in addressing the issue of plastic pollution through investments in infrastructure and innovative solutions in Asia, and more recently, in Latin America. Her primary focus lies in ensuring that the firm’s collective strategies, assets, and relationships lead to the desired impact as they continue to grow. Additionally, Ellen serves as a Senior Advisor to the Circulator Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating connections between valuable research and insights and the individuals and groups capable of applying them. This collaborative effort aims to empower those working to combat plastic pollution and promote an inclusive circular economy.

Circulate Initiative & Umesh’s role

Umesh, in his capacity as the Research Director at the Circulate Initiative, which is also located in Singapore, undertakes the responsibility of defining and overseeing the organization’s research priorities. His purview spans a variety of crucial themes, including but not limited to plastic waste management, financing strategies for a circular economy in the context of plastics, elucidating the nexus between climate issues and plastics, and delving into human rights considerations in emerging markets concerning plastic waste management. The research agenda crafted under Umesh’s guidance serves as a compass for the organization, informing the development of insightful content, measurement methodologies, and the provision of valuable resources and tools. This dedicated effort is driven by a commitment to benefit all stakeholders within the ecosystem who are collectively addressing a common challenge. 

How Circulate Capital & Circulate Initiative are connected

Early market research revealed a critical need for enhanced accessibility to pertinent knowledge and tools to inform decision-making. It was anticipated that furnishing decision-makers with the necessary resources and knowledge would also lead to increased investment in combatting plastic pollution. This recognition underscores the significance of the Circulate Initiative and Circulate Capital as mutually reinforcing entities, working in tandem to channel more capital towards this sector and geographical area. The nonprofit status of both organizations enables them to deliver cutting-edge research, develop high-impact initiatives, and forge strategic partnerships. Their primary focus centers on addressing systemic obstacles to the circular economy and mobilizing collective efforts. Their aim is to bolster the broader ecosystem by collaborating closely with corporations, investors, and policymakers. In this capacity, they serve as catalysts, ensuring that decision-makers have access to the essential tools and resources to facilitate their decision-making process.

The plastics problem & what’s causing it

Umesh explains that in addressing the issue of plastic pollution and its root causes, it is worth noting some compelling statistics that help provide context to the problem. According to data from the OECD, an estimated 140 million tonnes of plastic waste have already accumulated in the world’s oceans and rivers, and this alarming trend shows no signs of abating. The increase in plastic consumption and usage directly correlates with a surge in plastic waste generation, perpetuating the unrelenting flow of mismanaged plastics into the oceans.

This problem is particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where the inadequacy of waste management infrastructure and processes exacerbates the issue of mismanaged plastics. Notably, a staggering 99% of macroplastics, defined as plastics larger than five millimeters in size and perceptible to the naked eye, find their way into the environment due to the insufficient collection and disposal of waste on land. To combat this predicament, substantial investment is needed to develop solutions tailored to cities and communities lacking adequate waste management and recycling infrastructure.

Of the plastic waste entering the marine environment, a substantial 80% originates from land-based sources, with a notable 60% emanating from urban centers. This underscores the pressing need to establish robust waste management infrastructures in emerging markets. As these economies continue to expand and their reliance on plastic grows, there is an imperative to ensure that plastic waste is channeled back into a circular economy rather than becoming environmental pollutants, whether on land, in our oceans, or in the air.

Resources Mentioned

• Circulate Capital
• Circulate Initiative
• OECD: Plastic Pollution
• Pew Charitable Trusts: Preventing Ocean Plastics
• Circulate Capital Ocean Fund
• Prevented Ocean Plastic Southeast Asia
• Delterra & Circulate Initiative: Honing the Habit: Four Insights on Spreading Recycling Behavior Report
• Circulate Initiative: Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker
• International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution
• Circ
• Acelon Chemicals and Fiber Corporation
• AceGreen

Connect with Ellen Martin & Umesh Madhavan

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• Connected with Umesh

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