Built from the ground up
The Plastic Collective Foundation was established in March 2025 as a registered Australian not-for-profit charity, operating globally to support communities most impacted by plastic pollution.
Our work focuses on education, training, and mentoring, equipping people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage pollution, recover resources, and lead their own transitions toward circular systems.
We work where plastic pollution hits hardest: remote regions, coastal communities, informal waste economies, and places often overlooked by large-scale systems.
A social hybrid model
Plastic Collective Foundation works in close collaboration with Plastic Collective (Pacific Collective Pty Ltd), founded in 2016 by Louise Hardman and her siblings, Steve and Dianne.
Together, we operate as a social hybrid model.
The Foundation drives community education, training, and mentoring programs.
Plastic Collective partners with global brands, institutions, and governments to finance infrastructure, innovation, and large-scale systems change in communities most at risk.
This model allows grassroots action and global responsibility to move forward together without compromising community leadership or dignity.
Our track record
This includes:
- Resource recovery and recycling training programs
- Community education initiatives
- Digital platforms supporting circular livelihoods
- Mobile recycling and material recovery stations
- Circular economy consulting and system design
To date, this work has delivered 29 programs across 12 countries, in partnership with more than 52 organisations, including business sponsors, government grants, and community partners.
Our team
Plastic Collective Foundation is led by practitioners, educators, scientists, and creatives who believe real change starts at the grassroots.
Louise Hardman
Founder, CEO, PCF Director, Lead Mentor
Marine zoologist, plastic scientist, systems designer, and community educator
Dianne Hardman
PCF Director, Chief Operating Officer
Jeremy Sheehan
PCF Director
Sarah Hadley
PCF Director
Kate Ross
PCF Director
Jo Elliot
Creative Mentor
Be part of the work that lasts
Plastic pollution is a global challenge, but lasting solutions are built locally by communities leading change from within.
You can be part of this collective effort by supporting local leadership, education, and mentoring, or by learning more about how our programs work on the ground.