The PLEASE project supports the South Asia region in transitioning toward a circular plastic economy by sharing knowledge, fostering new ideas, and investing in practical solutions. Component 1 focuses on finding and funding solutions that support a circular plastic economy. It also promotes knowledge sharing and awareness of these solutions across South Asia through four main goals: raising awareness of regional solutions, showing the impact of funding through block grants, highlighting success stories that can be repeated elsewhere, and ensuring efforts align with national priorities in partnership with local authorities. Through this component: 

Through this component:

1. South Asian countries can learn from existing and new approaches that help reduce plastic waste and build a circular economy.
2. Investments through block grants can accelerate this transition. Successful pilots may encourage governments to expand support for similar initiatives.
3. Block Grant recipients can not only demonstrate impact but also provide case studies that can be replicated in other countries.
4. Block Grant selection is managed in consultation with national authorities to be aligned with national priorities and also contributes to the World Bank’s ongoing work on reducing plastic pollution.

In total, 12 Regional Block Grants and 16 Innovation Grants were awarded. The Regional Block Grants went to projects with strong potential to cut down plastic waste flowing into South Asia’s rivers and seas. These projects serve as pilots that can be scaled up across the region.

Country	Regional Block Grants
Bangladesh	BRAC BPCL
Bhutan	BES Greener Way
Maldives	MACCS SIGS
Nepal	CREASION BIOCOMP
Pakistan	ALTAS ISP
Sri Lanka	ICI NRC

The Innovation Grants supported creative approaches from community groups, social enterprises, businesses, and universities in the region. A particular focus on women-led initiatives is also prioritized.

Country	Innovation Grants
Bangladesh	Arannayk Foundation	IMS-CU	RedOrange
Bhutan	Clean Bhutan	Green Road	Eco Waste Solutions
Maldives	Clean Maldives	CEL
Nepal	CIUD	Doko Recycles	Institute of Engineering-TU
Pakistan	OTIUM	DAVAAM Life
Sri Lanka	Chakra Suthra	Insee Ecocyle	Save A Life