The Circulate Initiative Appoints Matthew Fraser as Director of Programs and Research to Accelerate Action on the Circular Economy
The appointment comes as the organization broadens its impact to address barriers to circular economy progress in emerging markets.
November 7, 2025 – The Circulate Initiative, a global non-profit dedicated to addressing plastic pollution and advancing circular and equitable economies in emerging markets, has announced the appointment of Matthew Fraser as Director of Programs and Research.
In this role, Matthew Fraser will lead The Circulate Initiative’s research agenda, including work on the intersection of plastics and finance, with the intent of connecting this research to current and future programs.
This includes advancing the organization’s flagship data platforms including the Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker and the recently updated The Plastic Lifecycle Assessment Calculator for the Environment and Society (PLACES) climate tool – which translate data and insights into actionable guidance for investors, policymakers, and businesses working to scale circular solutions in emerging markets.
Matthew Fraser brings over 15 years of international experience in the circular economy, having advised governments, international organizations, and businesses across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Prior to joining The Circulate Initiative, he served as Director at Circle Economy, where he led global research efforts including the annual flagship Circularity Gap Report and developed the Circularity Gap Dashboard – tools that have informed national, sectoral and city-level policy and investment decisions worldwide.
“Matthew’s expertise in circular economy research and program development comes at a pivotal time for The Circulate Initiative. His leadership will be key as we work to drive increased investment into solutions to plastic waste and expand our research capabilities to ground our programs in robust data and insights,” said Michael Sadowski, Executive Director, The Circulate Initiative.
Matthew Fraser added: “Preventing plastic pollution requires systemic solutions that combine policy, infrastructure, and economic incentives. I am excited to join The Circulate Initiative to advance the circular economy by leveraging their data-driven research to practical program design, supporting the creation of circular systems that generate measurable environmental and economic impact, strengthen local economies, and improve livelihoods in emerging markets.”
Responsible Sourcing Initiative expands global footprint
The appointment follows the expansion of the organization’s team leading the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, a global program which brings together brands, investors, recyclers, and waste worker organizations to tackle human rights challenges in recycling value chains.
Arun Murugesh has joined as Director of the Responsible Sourcing Initiative in India, bringing more than 19 years of experience in the waste management sector. Previously part of the leadership team at Saahas Zero Waste, a pioneering Indian social enterprise, he led programs to professionalize and integrate informal waste workers into ethical supply chains, and oversaw the implementation of award-winning traceability systems, IoT-enabled tools, and AI-driven waste recovery technologies.
Leading efforts in Africa, Yunia Bidali, Responsible Sourcing Initiative Africa Lead, has over a decade of experience in regional program and supply chain management. Most recently, she served as Chief of Growth and Innovation at Mr. Green Africa, a plastic recycling company in Kenya that integrates informal waste pickers, waste entrepreneurs, and consumers into its formal value chain by leveraging technology to enhance transparency and traceability.
The Responsible Sourcing Initiative now spans five implementation projects across Viet Nam, Kenya, India, and Indonesia, supported by a growing network of partners including some of the world’s leading brands. Insights from these projects have informed the latest edition of the Harmonized Responsible Sourcing Framework for Recycled Materials – the first global framework providing practical guidance for responsible sourcing in recycled material value chains.
Annerieke Douma, Senior Director of Programs, The Circulate Initiative, said: “As pressure mounts on brands to comply with regulations like extended producer responsibility, secure recycled materials, and meet new due diligence and disclosure standards, clear guidance on how to source recycled materials responsibly has never been more urgent. Through the Responsible Sourcing Initiative, we’re working to fill that gap – ensuring that plastic waste supply chains not only support recycled plastics and advance a circular economy, but also respect the rights of all workers.”