![Packets of compressed plastic waste](/static/uploads/20220915084509/TO-USE-Chosen-Linkedin.jpg)
Season 4, Post 36: Message to the planet
Your author is just back from a flying business trip to Tel Aviv. What could be more pleasant to end a full day of meetings than a walk along the beach? When there, he noticed the arresting image presented below. Beyond being an eye-catching construction, its purpose is clear: plastic waste is a source of both major concern and pollution.
![A huge ball made of used plastic with information about the pollution of the planet](/static/uploads/1689779230/PM-pictures-Website.jpg)
We first addressed this theme in 2018 and it has remained top of mind since. The equivalent of a truckload of plastic enters the oceans globally every minute. As a result, there are 5tr pieces of plastic in our oceans – enough to circle the world over 400 times over whereas Europe recycles c32% of its plastic annually, the comparable figure for the US is less than 10%. Without radical change, the amount of plastic waste generated worldwide could double by 2040 (data per the World Economic Forum, European Environmental Agency and Pew Research).
Some solutions are at hand. A business such as SIG, which makes aseptic carton packaging, has long been an advocate of alternatives for products such as milk and juices. Some of their good work was discussed in an earlier Blog post this year. Raising awareness of the environmental impact of plastic pollution also matters. To this end, MOWI (one of the world’s largest farmers of salmon) conducts over 400 community outreach events annually across the world. Many of these highlight how plastic in the sea causes harm, not just to the planet in general but to fish living there too.
At a much broader level, governments globally seem to be waking up to the importance of creating a more sustainable planet. While President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act has garnered much coverage for its plans to accelerate renewable energy deployments in the US, developments are taking place across the world. Your author spent some of his time on the plane back to London from Israel reading about cities of the future. In Saudi Arabia, The Line (proposed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as part of the broader Neom project) will be powered entirely renewable energy. Not to be out-done, Masdar City in Abu Dhabi is billed as a “master-planned eco-complex.” Other projects of this nature are being contemplated in China, Japan and the US. Even if the intent behind some verges on hyperbole, they do still highlight a very positive direction of travel.
15 September 2022
The above does not constitute investment advice and is the sole opinion of the author at the time of publication. Heptagon Capital is an investor in MOWI and SIG. The author of this piece has no personal direct investment in the business. Past performance is no guide to future performance and the value of investments and income from them can fall as well as rise.
Photo taken by the author.
Alex Gunz, Fund Manager
Disclaimers
The document is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or any recommendation to buy, or sell or otherwise transact in any investments. The document is not intended to be construed as investment research. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information which Heptagon Capital LLP believes to be reliable. However, except to the extent required by applicable law or regulations, no guarantee, warranty or representation (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this document or its contents and, Heptagon Capital LLP, its affiliate companies and its members, officers, employees, agents and advisors do not accept any liability or responsibility in respect of the information or any views expressed herein. Opinions expressed whether in general or in both on the performance of individual investments and in a wider economic context represent the views of the contributor at the time of preparation. Where this document provides forward-looking statements which are based on relevant reports, current opinions, expectations and projections, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All opinions and estimates included in the document are subject to change without notice and Heptagon Capital LLP is under no obligation to update or revise information contained in the document. Furthermore, Heptagon Capital LLP disclaims any liability for any loss, damage, costs or expenses (including direct, indirect, special and consequential) howsoever arising which any person may suffer or incur as a result of viewing or utilising any information included in this document.
The document is protected by copyright. The use of any trademarks and logos displayed in the document without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent is strictly prohibited. Information in the document must not be published or redistributed without Heptagon Capital LLP’s prior written consent.
Heptagon Capital LLP, 63 Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HS
tel +44 20 7070 1800
email [email protected]
Partnership No: OC307355 Registered in England and Wales Authorised & Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
Heptagon Capital Limited is licenced to conduct investment services by the Malta Financial Services Authority.