Library | ESG issues

Plastics

Plastics are synthetic polymers widely used in products such as packaging, electronics, and construction materials. While some plastics can be recycled to reduce environmental impact, improper disposal leads to significant pollution and ecological challenges. Investors can engage with companies to encourage reduced plastic use, improved recycling practices, and innovation in sustainable alternatives to mitigate these risks and promote long-term accountability.

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Diving deep: Finance, ocean pollution and coastal resilience

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
This report explores how financial institutions can drive sustainability in ocean-linked sectors, focusing on coastal infrastructure and waste management. It highlights sustainable financing principles, encouraging banks, insurers, and investors to mitigate environmental risks and support nature-based solutions for climate resilience, biodiversity, and economic prosperity in the blue economy.
Research
1 March 2022

Nature-related litigation: Emerging trends and lessons learned from climate-related litigation

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
This report explores emerging trends in nature-related litigation, focusing on biodiversity, deforestation, ocean degradation, and plastic pollution. It highlights the legal risks for the financial sector and calls for increased monitoring. Lessons from climate-related litigation are applied to nature protection strategies, impacting regulatory and corporate practices.
Research
3 July 2024

Plastics circularity investment tracker tool

The Circulate Initiative
The tool offers insights into private investments in plastics circularity globally from 2018 to 2023. It provides data by geography, investment categories, and solution types, enabling users to analyse trends and compare investments across regions and sectors.
Online tool/database

ShareAction's voting matters series

ShareAction
Voting Matters are benchmark-series reports by ShareAction evaluating the proxy voting behaviour of asset managers on environmental and social issues. This report analyses the voting patterns of major asset managers to determine their commitment to responsible investment practices.
Benchmark/series
18 February 2025

Greenpeace

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Greenpeace International is an environmental NGO advocating for global environmental protection and sustainability. With a focus on climate change, deforestation, overfishing, and other ecological issues, it engages in activism, research, and lobbying to drive positive change. Greenpeace campaigns for renewable energy, biodiversity preservation, and the mitigation of environmental damage worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

The climate benefits of plastic waste management in India and Southeast Asia: Investing in waste management and recycling solutions in India and Southeast Asia could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030

The Circulate Initiative
The Circulate Initiative's GHG calculator indicates that improved waste management and recycling could reduce GHG emissions by 229 million tonnes by 2030. Mismanaged plastic waste rates in six Southeast Asian countries range from 50% to 75%. This sector is crucial for transitioning to a low-carbon economy, attracting climate-focused investors.
Research
13 July 2023

Central banking and supervision in the biosphere: An agenda for action on biodiversity loss, financial risk and system stability

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
This report explores the role central banks and financial regulators can play to mitigate biodiversity loss risks. The report establishes that biodiversity loss poses a financial risk to the economy and makes recommendations for action.
Research
23 February 2022

Breaking the plastic wave: A comprehensive assessment of pathways towards stopping ocean plastic pollution

Systemiq
This report highlights innovative solutions and strategies that can reduce plastic pollution by 80% by transforming how plastic is produced, used, and managed. The report uses thorough analysis to identify specific opportunities for various stakeholders - from policymakers to businesses and consumers - to curb plastic waste and achieve measurable results.
Research
28 October 2020

Child-lens investing framework: Private equity and debt investor toolkit

Tideline
The toolkit provides guidelines on investing with a child-lens impact strategy, including a child-lens taxonomy, reflection, contribution, and assessment. Six investors tested and refined the framework with case studies.
Research
26 October 2023

ClientEarth

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
ClientEarth is a non-profit environmental law organisation committed to protecting the planet's health. Visit our website for legal expertise, impactful litigation, and policy advocacy. Discover how we use the power of the law to drive positive environmental change, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Organisation
1 research item

The Circulate Initiative

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
The Circulate Initiative tackles ocean plastic pollution and promotes inclusive circular economies. They work with businesses, governments, and communities to find innovative solutions for waste management, recycling, and plastic alternatives. By investing in circular systems, The Circulate Initiative aims for a cleaner ocean and a more sustainable future.
Organisation
4 research items

Plastic Disclosure Project

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Plastic Disclosure Project (PDP) is a multi-stakeholder, investor-supported global initiative to encourage the world's organisations to measure their annual plastic use and waste. With measurement, organisations can develop innovative strategies to efficiently use plastic, seize opportunities and avoid risks, all while reducing their environmental impact.
Organisation

Bankrolling plastics: The banks that fund plastic packaging pollution

Portfolio Earth
Banks continue to finance the global plastics chain, despite the significant risks of lender liability from the impacts of plastic waste. This report highlights the lack of development of any due diligence systems, contingent loan criteria, or financing exclusions at the banks when it comes to the plastic packaging industry.
Research
5 January 2021

Portfolio Earth

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Portfolio Earth is a collective of individuals working to highlight the finance industry’s harmful impact on the environment. It raises awareness of the banking sector’s contribution to environmental degradation with issues including the global biodiversity crisis and plastic packaging pollution.
Organisation
2 research items

Waste and opportunity 2020: Searching for Corporate Leadership - 50 corporations ranked on plastic packaging pollution

As You Sow
The 2020 published report by As You Sow investigates 50 corporations and ranks them based on their performance in leadership and ambition relating to sustainable packaging of their products, while also taking into account their contributions and support to increase recycling rates and engage in producer responsibility efforts.
Research
3 July 2020

As You Sow

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
As You Sow is a leader in creating positive change in corporate decision making by utilising the power of shareholder advocacy to produce environmentally and socially beneficial impacts. Their goals and initiatives are in adherence to sustainable financing principles while implementing inclusive and holistic lenses when engaging with relevant stakeholders.
Organisation
1 research item
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