Who we are

The Innovation Alliance is a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder initiative consisting of

  • Alliance Members (startups, implementers)

  • Innovation Champions (enablers, investors, philanthropies)

  • Scientific Council (renowned circular economy research and academic experts).

The idea for this cross-sector alliance came from the glaring lack of representation of solutionists at the first negotiations summit for a Global Plastic Treaty. The alliance is focused on bringing the opportunities from this innovation ecosystem to the forefront this important policy process, and accelerate progress against plastic waste.

A common challenge to solutionists, across geographies, is access to finance to scale innovations and maximize their impacts. See our text proposal on financial mechanisms developed during INC-3 here.

Why do we exist?

Thousands of creative solutions to the plastic pollution crisis exist. Many of these solutions have emerged in the last few years, rapidly scaled up, and have demonstrated immense potential in reducing plastic waste. There is now an indisputable case that innovation-led systems-change lies at the heart of tackling the plastic pollution crisis.

However, this innovation ecosystem has largely developed out of sight from national and global policymakers. Indeed, past international environmental agreements have too often left out the perspectives and needs of these key players. This limits the potential for engagement with
emerging solutions and means that we are missing out on valuable opportunities to
create future-proof regulatory frameworks.

The Global Plastics Treaty has the potential to fundamentally change our world’s relationship with plastic waste in the coming years. But a treaty negotiations process that does not actively involve innovators risks sounding promising on paper but failing to empower workable
solutions on the ground.

The Innovation Alliance aim to serve as a crucial bridge - connecting innovation to policymaking, and breaking the silo between the two ecosystems. Only by actively including innovators in the
decision-making processes for national, regional, and international regulation, can we
ensure collective progress towards a future free from plastic pollution.

How are we structured?

  • rePurpose Global & The Ocean Cleanup: Organizers and administrators of the Alliance, responsible for overall setup and functioning to meet its outlined objectives

  • Ecosystem enablers (foundations, technology companies, VC funds, accelerators, platforms) that will help fund the Alliance’s activities and promote the initiative through its networks & channels

  • Path-breaking companies, initiatives, and organizations that tackle plastic waste across all stages of its lifecycle

  • Advisory board for the Innovation Alliance comprising of thematic experts e.g. academic researchers, material scientists, renowned environmentalists

Boyan Slat

“I believe we can use technology to truly make things better. Ocean plastic pollution is a big problem that requires big solutions. We will need all the scientists, doers, and passionate innovators we can get to innovate ourselves out of this mess.”

Svanika Balasubramanian

“From labs to landfills - the innovation alliance represents an amalgamation of the voices and collective strength of countless innovators and problem solvers who have been fighting hard to protect our planet’s future. We exist to put the spotlight on the groundbreaking ideas and promising innovations that have the potential to turn the tide on plastic pollution”