Papua New Guinea’s leading waste management company, the TWM Group, has secured a major boost with a $10.2 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), paving the way for the Pacific’s first integrated waste management facility built to international standards.
The investment, provided through a kina-denominated fixed-rate loan, is supported by the World Bank’s IDA Private Sector Window. It will enable TWM Group to expand operations to manage growing volumes of hazardous and industrial waste, helping safeguard public health and the environment as PNG experiences rapid population growth and industrialisation.
The announcement was made on 24 September during the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
“As we celebrate 50 years of PNG’s independence, we are proud of TWM’s contribution to protecting our pristine environment and diverse culture while remaining focused on delivering our vision,” said Kori Chan, TWM Group Managing Director.
“This partnership, developed over more than three years of analysis, assessment and due diligence, confirms that TWM Group now meets IFC’s stringent global environmental and social performance standards,” Chan said.
Chan said that the investment demonstrates global confidence in TWM Group and enables the company to expand the scale and scope of our work, ready to service growing volumes of waste from multiple industries across PNG and the Pacific Islands region — a major step forward for the industry and positive news for the nation as it looks to the next 50 years of independence.
The development comes at a critical time, with PNG moving towards formal regulation of waste management while facing the urgent challenge of rising unmanaged waste. By setting new benchmarks for sustainability, TWM’s facility will position the private sector at the forefront of solutions to reduce health risks and protect the country’s unique natural environment.
IFC’s Senior Manager for Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, Erik Becker, highlighted the significance of the partnership.
He said, “Since 2021, we have been working with TWM Group through market assessments, business planning, environmental and social screening and gender diagnostics to help develop the Pacific Islands’ first integrated waste management facility, designed to handle hazardous and industrial waste in compliance with international standards.
“This investment will establish new standards for environmental sustainability and operational excellence, showcasing a one World Bank Group approach to support private sector-led and sustainable waste management in PNG and the Pacific region.”
The financing is also expected to create jobs and stimulate innovation in waste management services, reinforcing sustainable economic resilience. It aligns with broader efforts to support PNG’s growth as the nation marks both its 50th year of independence and 50 years of partnership with the World Bank Group.
TWM Group’s role in advancing gender inclusion has also been recognised. The company was one of 18 participants in the Meri Save Trades (Women Know Trades) initiative, a programme led by IFC in partnership with the Business Coalition for Women and supported by the governments of Australia and New Zealand. The initiative has helped women break into industries traditionally dominated by men, creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces across PNG.
Founded as a pioneer in modern waste management, TWM Group continues to drive change by embedding sustainability into its operations and shaping a cleaner, healthier future for PNG and the Pacific region.
