Developing an international partnership for sustainable recycling

A multinational technology company sought to develop a partnership with a leading NGO and a globally-recognized multilateral organization to address health hazards arising from informal recycling practices. The goal was to create a collaborative platform that would engage a wide range of stakeholders, including companies, civil society, and governments, to secure funding and drive sustainable solutions. The company needed assistance in designing a comprehensive strategy to build this partnership, identify the first countries for pilot projects, and establish the organizational structure for long-term success. Additionally, the company sought support in engaging with key government leaders in emerging economies in South Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America countries to advocate for battery recycling regulations.

• Designed a comprehensive strategy to engage key stakeholders, including NGOs, multinational companies, civil society, and governments, to build a sustainable funding platform.
• Convened meetings with global experts and initiated outreach to governments, identifying priority countries to launch the partnership and ensure broad regional impact.
• Developed the organizational framework for the partnership, ensuring a strong foundation for growth, and coordinated the communications campaign to promote the initiative.
• Served as secretariat for the first year, overseeing the coordination and execution of the partnership’s objectives.
• Provided strategic support and crafted messaging for engaging with government leaders in the identified countries on critical policy issues, particularly around battery recycling regulation.

The partnership has successfully expanded its activities to six countries, with ongoing in-country engagement and continued growth in both scope and funding. It has become a recognized model of industry collaboration with international civil society organizations, showcasing the potential for private-sector leadership in addressing public health and environmental challenges. The partnership’s success in securing cross-sector collaboration and funding has strengthened its position as a leader in advocating for improved recycling practices and regulatory frameworks. With its growing influence, the partnership is poised to expand further, bringing additional countries and stakeholders into the fold, ultimately driving significant positive impact on public health and the environment.