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Meet an Unreasonable Venture

Plastic Bank

Cleaning the oceans and empowering impoverished communities by pioneering a sustainable, circular economy for plastic waste.

Photo of David Katz

David Katz

Pirate Captain (Founder & CEO) at Plastic Bank

More about David »
Photo of Erin Rand

Erin Rand

Navigator for Fast Growing Companies, COO of Plastic Bank

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Employees 21–50
Headquarters Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Plastic Bank is an economic development firm that empowers disenfranchised communities to exchange any type of plastic for currency. By revealing the true economic value of plastic, the company enables recycling ecosystems to emerge around the world and stops the flow of plastic into our oceans, all while lifting communities out of poverty.
Plastic Bank provides a consistent, above-market rate for plastic waste, thus incentivizing its collection. Its IBM-powered mobile app uses world-class banking and transaction technology to empower its Collectors to open a functioning digital bank account — sometimes, the first they’ve ever had. Plastic Bank also provides the ability for local entrepreneurs to set up and operate a convenience store for the disadvantaged, in which plastic waste is the sole currency. Plastic collected through Plastic Bank is recycled and sold at a premium as Social Plastic®. The value of Social Plastic® transcends any commodity price: oceans are kept clean, impoverished communities gain access to stable income, local economies are boosted, and life necessities like food, water, and electricity become more accessible.

Currently Operating in 55 Regions

Press Mentions

September 7, 2023

Plastic Bank's David Katz can turn your trash to cash

Read on ABS-CBN News »

September 7, 2023

Plastic man saves the world

Read on The Manila Times »

September 2, 2023

Plastic Bank: Picking up the pieces for trash collectors

Read on INQUIRER.net »

August 26, 2023

Plastic Bank: Transforming Scrap Plastic into a Sustainable Resource

Read on Clayton County Register »

August 20, 2023

Social enterprise turns materials recovery into a dignified livelihood

Read on Malaya Business Insight | The online version of Malaya Business Insight. Published at the same time with the same content for the major sections. »

May 23, 2023

Plastic Bank's communities stop four billion bottles equivalent plastic from reaching the ocean

Read on Eco-Business »

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