2026 Contest

Meet the three
‍PET Heroes finalists

Plastic circularity can be about more than keeping materials in use. It can also create opportunities, strengthen livelihoods and respond to the needs of communities.

For the 2026 PET Heroes Awards, three organisations have reached the final with projects that put this broader perspective into practice, each in a very different context.

EcoAct Tanzania

Garbage Medical Insurance

Based in Dar es Salaam, EcoAct Tanzania is connecting plastic recovery with access to healthcare for low-income households. Through its Garbage Medical Insurance model, participating households collect and exchange recyclable plastic waste as a contribution towards healthcare access. The recovered material is then sorted and processed into recycled plastic timber.

Discover the project

Solidaridad Internacional Kanda (SiKanda)

Inclusive Recycling for Sustainable and Equitable Waste Management in México

SiKanda is working with informal recyclers across Oaxaca, Guerrero and Puebla to strengthen skills, working conditions and recognition of their rights. The project combines training, equipment and support for recycler groups while working towards more inclusive waste management systems.

Discover the project

Upcycle Africa

From Bottles to Classrooms

In Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda, Upcycle Africa is connecting PET recovery with education infrastructure and opportunities for refugee youth.
The project plans to transform recovered PET into classroom infrastructure while developing skills in recycling and eco-construction for young people in the settlement.

Discover the project

The public vote will open on October 18

Vote for the next PET Hero

about the contest

Man wearing a blue 'Litro de Luz' t-shirt holding a bright light source made from a plastic bottle.

Meet the heroes making it happen

Since 2023, the PET Heroes Awards have recognised and supported outstanding individuals and organisations advancing plastic circularity with social impact.  

Through adaPETation, we identify and support initiatives that combine circular solutions for plastics with tangible benefits for vulnerable communities. Our aim is to unlock the full potential of plastic circularity to drive environmental progress and socio-economic development, delivering a genuine double impact.  

Because circularity should not only close loops, but create opportunity.

Become the next PET Hero