Introducing Plastic Bank

Behind every bag is a mission is to build thoughtful solutions, inspire progress towards sustainability, and represent our global community--which is why we're thrilled to announce our partnership with Plastic Bank this Earth Day.

The Impact
Since we joined in January 2025, every purchase has contributed to the offset of 1600 kg of plastic waste–the equivalent of 80,000 bags–while offering its collection community members a pathway out of poverty.
 
How Plastic Bank Works
Plastic Bank is a social fintech with a mission to end poverty and stop plastic pollution through a global bottle deposit program. Plastic is gathered from the environment in areas with high levels of plastic pollution that lack formal recycling infrastructure. Collection members exchange plastic at their local collection branches for additional income and social benefits, such as grocery vouchers and health insurance. Every plastic exchange is recorded in the PlasticBank® app for traceable, secure, and verified reporting. The plastic is then sent to local processors to be made into recycled feedstock, reentering the global manufacturing supply chain and enabling a circular economy for plastic.
It is headquartered in Canada and operates in the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil, Egypt, Thailand, and Cameroon. Collection members join Plastic Bank through their local collection branch or by registering on the PlasticBank® app, and gather discarded plastic from the environment, including beaches, rivers, streets, neighborhoods, businesses, schools, places of worship, community centers, and more.
 

Why We Joined
Experts have cautioned that without intervention, plastic waste in the ocean could surpass the natural marine biomass within the next 25 years. As we look towards a brighter future, we support Plastic Bank community members because big change starts with small actions. 
But don't take our word for it – you can learn more about community members and how they've improved the natural environment in which they live, while getting the support to improve their everyday lives. 

Collection Community Member Stories

Atmawati is a collection community member, working alongside her husband Asis in Bali, Indonesia. She began collecting plastic waste to help her husband and support improving their family’s livelihood. Every day, she helps sort the plastic bottles that Asis collects, separating the caps and labels from the bottles. After collecting and sorting, they bring the plastic to their local Plastic Bank collection branch to be exchanged for extra cash and life-improving benefits. Since becoming a Plastic Bank collection member, Atmawati has received increased income, BPJS Health Insurance, a tablet for her daughter’s online schooling during the pandemic, and grocery vouchers.

Before the pandemic, Asnaini worked at a handicraft store in Bali. During the pandemic, the business had to shut down, and she struggled to make ends meet. There is Plastic Bank collection branch near her house, so she gathered the courage to ask the branch owner how she could collect recyclable materials to earn some money. The branch owner kindly explained the process, and she began her journey as a plastic collection member. Since then, she has been able to rent land and build a simple house with her husband. Her son helps her collect plastic after graduating from high school. Her husband works as a construction worker, and her daughter is finishing vocational school to become a pharmacist.