No one is coming to save us!

Another summit, another round of promises drowned in a sea of inaction. The Plastic Treaty talks in South Korea collapsed under divided interests, and COP29’s carbon footprint soared higher than its aspirations. These gatherings, intended to lead us forward, have become symbols of hesitation and half-measures.

Plastic production caps? Blocked. Binding agreements? Delayed. Meanwhile, the planet drowns in plastic waste, and humanity pays the price.

The truth? No one is coming to save us. Governments stall. Industries dodge accountability. And while they argue, the clock ticks. The planet doesn’t need saving—it will endure. What’s at stake is humanity, our lives, and the legacy we leave behind.

It’s almost 2025. You can sit in despair, waiting for leaders to lead, or take a stand and act. Every piece of plastic gathered, every community empowered, every step toward change—it’s a defiance of the status quo.

If these summits teach us anything, it’s that change won’t come from boardrooms and convention halls. It comes from bold action, from people like you who refuse to wait.

The future depends on what you do today. As we step into 2025, what’s your move?

Data as of December 10, 2024

Meet Made, a collection member from Bali who plays a critical role in gathering plastic as part of CooperVision's partnership with Plastic Bank. She dreams of becoming a baker and spreading joy with delicious cakes. CooperVision helped bring her dream to life.

Watch her story and discover how you can also help transform the lives of our collection community members.

Philippines

Our school partnership program in the Philippines recently reached a milestone, collecting 149,000 kilograms of discarded plastic—equivalent to 7.5 million bottles—through 57 public schools across six cities. This initiative has positively impacted over 15,000 households, generating Php 1.49 million for schools from plastic collection, plus an additional Php 7 million in incentives and rewards. These funds have been used to support school programs and acquire essential equipment like electric fans and computers.

Moreover, we presented our impact at the WWF Plastic Smart Cities Fair on November 25 at the Bayview Hotel. Our team highlighted the Schools Education Program, which has empowered over 1,000 parents in Metro Manila with training on sustainable practices, including waste segregation and reducing single-use plastic.

Egypt

In Egypt, over 100 collection points and 40 branches have been refurbished to create safer and more comfortable working conditions. Upgrades include fresh paint, secure wiring, pest control, improved ventilation, and better lighting. Health and safety kits were provided to further support our collection members, promoting well-being and preventing accidents.

Indonesia

Plastic Bank Indonesia is honoured to be recognized at the Indonesia Corporate Sustainability Award for the second consecutive year. Celebrated for our social, economic, and health impact in local communities, we stand proudly alongside organizations like The Westin Resort Nusa Dua and BIMC Hospital-Kuta. A heartfelt thank you to our partners enabling this life-changing impact.

Brazil

Our team in Brazil reactivated our branch in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro’s largest favela, which is home to 85,000 residents. Despite challenges like poverty and limited infrastructure, Rocinha is a vital hub for plastic collection, creating opportunities for its resilient community while protecting the ocean from pollution.

Break the status quo, go beyond mundane sustainability initiatives, and regenerate.

With your Impact Membership, you’ll empower collection communities to gather discarded plastic, exchange it for money, and gain access to social benefits. It’s a win-win-win-win — for your business, your customers, communities, and the planet.