David Katz

David Katz is the Founder and CEO of The Plastic Bank, a social enterprise aimed at addressing ocean plastic pollution while alleviating poverty. Established in 2013, Plastic Bank operates by creating ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities, allowing individuals to exchange collected plastic waste for essential goods and services. This initiative not only helps reduce plastic waste but also provides a sustainable income for collectors, thereby improving their quality of life.14

Katz is recognized for his innovative approach to recycling, which transforms plastic waste into a currency known as Social Plastic®. This model has garnered significant attention, earning Katz accolades such as the United Nations Lighthouse Award for Planetary Health and recognition as one of the world's most compassionate entrepreneurs by Salt Magazine. His work has been featured in numerous prestigious outlets, including Forbes and Time Magazine, and he has made appearances in documentaries such as A Plastic Ocean and reality shows like Dragons' Den.2345

Under Katz's leadership, Plastic Bank has partnered with major corporations like IBM, SC Johnson, and Henkel, aiming to create a closed-loop supply chain that benefits both the environment and local communities. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating technology, such as blockchain, to ensure transparency and traceability in the recycling process.146