Call for signatories to join the Circular Economy Reference Group

The circular economy is a cross-cutting solution to systemic issues such as climate change and nature loss. PRI previously convened a Plastics Investor Working Group, which has supported investors to understand risks and opportunities across the plastics value chain, and address plastic pollution through their stewardship activities.

PRI is committed to providing information and support on circularity as part of its 2021-2024 strategy. PRI will support investor action on the circular economy across a broader range of materials and value chains (including the plastics value chain).

The purpose of the Circular Economy Reference Group is to support investor capacity to address the circular economy across relevant value chains (with a continued focus on the plastics value chain, whilst expanding this focus to other relevant value chains - subject to the group’s preferences). It will do this by providing a forum for investors to share relevant developments on the circular economy, learn from experts and share tools and experiences. The reference group will also be invited to provide input on PRI’s circular economy strategy, and future guidance to support signatory action.

The PRI is aiming to maintain a fair representation of its signatory base within this group (between asset owners and investment managers, and by geographic location).

If you are interested in joining, please review the group’s Terms of Reference for an overview of the objectives, and members’ roles and commitments.

Participation requirements:

• Be available from April 2023 onwards for a 1 year term
• Participate in reference group meetings (minimum 1 hour every 2-3 months)
• Share updates and developments in your jurisdiction and/or area of expertise
• Provide feedback on PRI’s content and programme strategy (as appropriate, either in reference group meetings or ad hoc requests to review future PRI guidance on the circular economy)

Group members are appointed by the PRI Executive based on the following criteria:

• Is a PRI signatory (asset owner, investment manager, or service provider)
• Has demonstrated interest and/or experience on the issue of the circular economy (e.g. prior involvement in PRI’s Plastics Investor Working Group), or considering risks and opportunities for relevant products and value chains (e.g. plastics, apparel, electronics, buildings, automobiles, renewable energy, food)
• Has ability and commitment to contribute experience and time to the objectives of the group (minimum time commitment: 1 hour calls every 2-3 months)

To apply, please complete this short application form by 6 April.

For any questions, please contact noah.wescombe@unpri.org.