The Circulate Initiative
The Circulate Initiative is a New York-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that develops data platforms, assessment tools, and field programs to address plastic pollution and advance circular economies in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2019
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What The Circulate Initiative does
The Circulate Initiative is a US-registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization headquartered in New York that develops programs, data tools, and research to address plastic pollution and advance circular economies, with a primary focus on emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Its core technology portfolio consists of proprietary data and assessment platforms: the Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker (tracking private capital flows, used by 1,700+ financial decision-makers), PLACES, a Plastic Lifecycle Assessment Calculator for GHG impact modeling (800+ users), Country & City Waste Landscapes (500+ users across 40 countries), the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Materials (adopted by 40+ stakeholders), and the Circularity Assessment Protocol (deployed in 50+ cities). These tools are complemented by field implementation programs: the Responsible Sourcing Initiative (active in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Vietnam, and expanding to Latin America, with a 50,000-waste-worker livelihood target), the Urban Ocean city accelerator (jointly run with Resilient Cities Network and University of Georgia), and the now-concluded NextWave Plastics consortium (diverted 53,213 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic over seven years).
The Circulate Initiative firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Circulate Initiative
- Legal name
- Circulate Initiative, Inc.
- Website
- https://thecirculateinitiative.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2019
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Circulate Initiative is a New York-based 501(c)(3) non-profit that develops data platforms, assessment tools, and field programs to address plastic pollution and advance circular economies in emerging markets across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Circulate Initiative industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Sustainability Research & Circular Economy Advisory
- NAICS
- Environmental Consulting Services (541620)
- SIC
- Sanitary Services (4950)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Circularity Consulting & Program Management (EPR, Design-for-Circularity, LCA) (EUAIANAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Circular Economy & Waste/Materials Reporting (Zero waste, packaging) (EUAHAJAL), Packaging Recovery & Closed-Loop Programs (Take-Back, Deposit-Return, EPR Support) (IMALAMAF), Supply Chain (Scope 3) Emissions & Supplier Engagement Platforms (EUABAEAE), Pollution Prevention, Chemicals & Waste (incl. Plastics) (BPADALAJ)
Keywords
Where The Circulate Initiative is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Circulate Initiative business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Grants and Donations: As a U.S. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, The Circulate Initiative operates on grant funding and donations from foundations, governments, and corporate partners. The organization does not charge for its programs or tools.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Circulate Initiative product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Circulate Initiative develops and operates proprietary data platforms, assessment tools, and on-the-ground programs addressing ocean plastic pollution and advancing plastics circularity in emerging markets. Its standalone offerings include the Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker, PLACES climate calculator, Country and City Waste Landscapes data platform, Pricing Transparency tool, the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework, the Urban Ocean accelerator, and the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, all provided free of charge to stakeholders.
Product overview
The Circulate Initiative operates as a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of research platforms, assessment tools, and implementation programs focused on solving ocean plastic pollution and advancing circular economies in emerging markets. The core product suite includes data intelligence tools (Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker, Country and City Waste Landscapes, PLACES climate calculator) and the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework with配套 implementation tools for responsible sourcing. These are complemented by field programs including the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, Urban Ocean accelerator program, and the now-concluded NextWave Plastics consortium. The Circularity Assessment Protocol provides standardized city-level assessment methodology. Together, these products enable stakeholders to understand investment flows, measure climate impacts, assess waste landscapes, implement responsible sourcing practices, and develop city-level circular economy projects.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Urban Ocean: A capacity-building and accelerator program to end ocean plastic pollution and build more resilient communities in cities. Jointly implemented by Resilient Cities Network, The Circulate Initiative, and University of Georgia New Materials Institute.
- Responsible Sourcing Initiative
- Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework
- PLACES
- Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker
- NextWave Plastics
Products and services
- Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker Award-winning data platform tracking private capital flows into plastics circularity solutions, providing investment trend insights for financial decision-makers. Accessed by 1,700+ financial decision-makers.
- PLACES (Plastic Lifecycle Assessment Calculator for the Environment and Society) Climate impact calculator that analyzes GHG emissions from plastic waste management practices across countries, supporting evidence-based decisions on recycling versus disposal methods. Used by 800+ users.
- Country and City Waste Landscapes Data platform providing country and city-level waste management and plastic pollution data across 40 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Used by 500+ users.
- Pricing Transparency - Recycled Plastics Research report and interactive policy modeling tool providing insights on recycled plastics pricing dynamics in India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam, allowing users to model the impact of policy interventions on output volumes, market share, and prices.
- Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Materials The first global industry standard for responsible sourcing in recycling value chains, providing practical guidance, tools, and sector-specific resources for implementing responsible sourcing practices. Adopted by 40+ stakeholders across the recycled materials value chain.
- Urban Ocean Capacity-building and accelerator program to end ocean plastic pollution and build resilient communities in cities, using the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) to assess waste systems and develop implementable projects. Active across cities in Asia and Latin America.
- Responsible Sourcing Initiative Multi-year program addressing human rights challenges in plastic recycling supply chains, with targets to improve livelihoods of 50,000 waste workers and secure commitment from 25 global brands, investors, and recyclers. Active in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Vietnam, with expansion to Latin America.
- NextWave Plastics Member-led collaborative initiative of multinational companies that developed the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains. Concluded in 2025 after diverting 53,213 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic.
Quantifiable outcome
- 40+ stakeholders have adopted the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use The Circulate Initiative
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
The Circulate Initiative technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability2 records
Feature6 records
The Circulate Initiative partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) IndiacoreUNDP India partnered with The Circulate Initiative as a technical partner to advance responsible sourcing across the recycled plastic value chain in India. The partnership will improve the lives of over 1,000 informal waste workers and support responsible sourcing of 8,000 metric tonnes of plastic by 2027 through projects with Dalmia Polypro Industries and Ganesha Ecosphere.
- University of Georgia New Materials Institute - Circularity Informatics LabcoreCIL, led by Professor Jenna Jambeck (MacArthur Fellow), joined Urban Ocean as program co-lead. Provides scientific baseline assessment methodology including the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP), now conducted in 50+ cities globally.
- PepsiCocoreOfficial brand partner in Responsible Sourcing Initiative project in India working with Deluxe Recycling to improve working conditions of informal waste workers and tackle multi-layer plastics waste streams.
- Tetra PakcoreOfficial brand partner in Responsible Sourcing Initiative project in India, advancing human rights due diligence in collection value chains of used beverage cartons and piloting the Harmonized Framework in materials beyond plastic.
- Ocean ConservancycoreFounding co-lead of Urban Ocean program, jointly implementing capacity-building and accelerator initiatives to end ocean plastic pollution in cities across Asia and Latin America. Ocean Conservancy has concluded its role following the program's successful launch.
- Resilient Cities NetworkcoreCo-lead of Urban Ocean program alongside The Circulate Initiative and University of Georgia, leveraging over 8 years of city relationships to help cities prevent plastic pollution and strengthen circular systems.
- Lonely WhalecoreCo-founder of NextWave Plastics initiative, working with The Circulate Initiative to develop the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains. NextWave Plastics successfully concluded in 2025 after diverting 53,213 tonnes of ocean-bound plastic.
- Dalmia Polypro IndustriescoreLeading Indian recycler of local PET and Polyolefin waste participating in UNDP partnership with The Circulate Initiative to implement responsible sourcing practices and improve working conditions.
- Ganesha EcospherecorePioneer in recycled polyester (rPET) fibre and yarn production implementing responsible sourcing practices through UNDP partnership, adopting the Harmonized Framework.
- Deluxe RecyclingcoreIndia's largest multi-layered plastic recycling facility in Gujarat, working with PepsiCo, Tetra Pak, and The Circulate Initiative to improve livelihoods of waste pickers and demonstrate innovative recycling technologies.
- First MilesupportingImplementation partner supporting the Responsible Sourcing Initiative project in India with Deluxe Recycling.
- Alliance of Indian Wastepickers (AIW)coreNational coalition working for inclusion of waste pickers in policies and programs, co-hosting the Responsible Sourcing Network India (RSNI) with The Circulate Initiative.
- SWaCH (Solid Waste Collection and Handling)supportingRepresenting waste pickers in India, supporting implementation of responsible sourcing practices in the Deluxe Recycling value chain.
- The Coca-Cola CompanysupportingCorporate supporter and partner in initiatives to address plastic pollution and promote circular economy solutions.
- Coca-Cola Europacific PartnerssupportingCorporate partner supporting circular economy initiatives and responsible sourcing programs.
- HP Inc.supportingCorporate partner in NextWave Plastics consortium, working to incorporate ocean-bound plastic into products.
- International Alliance of Waste PickerscoreGlobal network supporting and representing informal waste pickers, collaborator in responsible sourcing initiatives.
- World Economic ForumsupportingFeatured The Circulate Initiative's NextWave Plastics as a model for cross-sector collaboration in Global Plastics Action Partnership.
Scale indicators12 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
The Circulate Initiative competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SystemIQ: Systems-change non-profit/consultancy working on plastic packaging circularity and publishing major reports (e.g., Breaking the Plastic Wave). Comparable as a non-profit delivering data, frameworks, and convening on plastics value chains.
- Circle Economy: Dutch non-profit producing the Circularity Gap Report and circularity data dashboards—directly comparable research/data function. TCI's Director of Programs and Research Matthew Fraser was previously a Director at Circle Economy.
- Plastic Pollution Coalition: Global non-profit alliance working to end plastic pollution through advocacy, education, and stakeholder convening. Directly comparable in mission scope (plastic pollution focus, non-profit structure, multi-stakeholder engagement).
- Ocean Conservancy: Direct non-profit peer focused on ocean health including plastic pollution. Co-founded and co-led TCI's Urban Ocean program until 2026, making it the closest direct collaborator/competitor on city-level ocean plastic initiatives.
- Lonely Whale: Co-founder of NextWave Plastics and long-time TCI partner on ocean-bound plastic supply chains. Comparable non-profit working at the intersection of corporate partnerships and ocean plastic solutions.
Regional players
- GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives): Global alliance of non-profits working on waste management, plastic pollution, and circular economy policy. Comparable mission in advocating against pollution and for equitable, community-based waste solutions across emerging markets.
Broad incumbents
- WWF (World Wildlife Fund): Large environmental non-profit with substantial ocean plastics and circular-economy programming. Comparable as a multi-stakeholder convening organization with corporate partnerships, foundations funding, and global program footprint.
- Circulate Capital: Investment firm dedicated to preventing ocean plastic, listed as a TCI financial partner. Comparable because it is the investing arm of the same circular-economy ecosystem, deploying capital where TCI is building frameworks and data.
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation: A larger and better-funded non-profit leading global thought leadership on the circular economy, including plastics. Highly comparable as a non-profit publishing frameworks, data tools, and convening brand programs targeting the same FMCG and policymaker audience.
Emerging players
- 5 Gyres: Non-profit focused on plastic pollution research, education, and policy advocacy. Comparable as a smaller, science-led non-profit addressing plastic pollution through research, policy work, and stakeholder engagement.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Circulate Initiative social profiles
Digital presenceThe Circulate Initiative compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
The Circulate Initiative financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Circulate Initiative leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
The Circulate Initiative funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Circulate Initiative M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Circulate Initiative
What does The Circulate Initiative do?
The Circulate Initiative develops and operates proprietary data platforms, assessment tools, and on-the-ground programs addressing ocean plastic pollution and advancing plastics circularity in emerging markets. Its standalone offerings include the Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker, PLACES climate calculator, Country and City Waste Landscapes data platform, Pricing Transparency tool, the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework, the Urban Ocean accelerator, and the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, all provided free of charge to stakeholders.
Is The Circulate Initiative a public or private company?
The Circulate Initiative is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Circulate Initiative founded?
The Circulate Initiative was founded in 2019. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is The Circulate Initiative based?
The Circulate Initiative is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Circulate Initiative make money?
One revenue line is on record: grants and Donations.
Who are The Circulate Initiative's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SystemIQ, Circle Economy, Plastic Pollution Coalition, Ocean Conservancy and Lonely Whale. GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are WWF (World Wildlife Fund), Circulate Capital and Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 5 Gyres is listed as an emerging player.
Does The Circulate Initiative have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Circulate Initiative.
What industry is The Circulate Initiative in?
The Circulate Initiative's product category is Sustainability Research & Circular Economy Advisory. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAIANAH, Circularity Consulting & Program Management (EPR, Design-for-Circularity, LCA), with a secondary code of EUAHAJAL, Circular Economy & Waste/Materials Reporting (Zero waste, packaging). Its NAICS code is 541620 and its SIC code is 4950.