The Plastic Banks Tracker is an initiative developed by Profundo, BankTrack, and the Plastic Soup Foundation. It assesses the involvement of commercial banks in financing the plastics lifecycle, particularly focusing on single-use plastics. The tool evaluates banks based on 21 criteria across three categories: acknowledgement of the plastics issue, policy development, and implementation practices.

In its initial assessment, the tracker reviewed 20 major international banks. The findings indicated that none were classified as leaders in addressing plastic-related financial risks. Only ProCredit Group was identified as a moderate achiever, while ING Group was considered a follower. The remaining 18 banks were categorised as laggards, lacking significant policies or commitments to mitigate their role in plastic pollution.

For finance professionals, the Plastic Banks Tracker serves as a resource to understand and evaluate the environmental and social risks associated with financing entities involved in the plastics industry. It provides insights into how financial institutions are addressing—or failing to address—the challenges posed by plastic pollution. This information can inform risk assessments, investment decisions, and the development of sustainable finance strategies.

The tool is particularly relevant for professionals engaged in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) analysis, sustainable investment, and corporate responsibility. By highlighting the current state of bank policies on plastic financing, it underscores the need for more robust and transparent approaches to managing environmental risks in the financial sector.