Crispian Lao is the founding president and co-convenor of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Material Sustainability (PARMS), composed of government and industry stakeholders working towards its vision of zero waste to nature.

 

 

How does PARMS promote recycling and material sustainability?

In line with our declaration in 2020, a roadmap and strategy towards Zero Waste to Nature Ambisyon 2030 had been developed for packaging applications toward sustainable consumption and production, and circular economy to address the plastic waste management issues.

What approach to material sustainability is best suited to the Philippine setting?

The upper to middle class need to be influenced towards patronizing products and packaging that provide sustainability at a premium. It is important to focus on “sustainable products” that apply to the local context.

Contrary to popular belief, what we think is better for the environment in the form of biodegradable and paper alternatives to packaging are not recovered for recycling. Food contaminated paper waste is non-recyclable and the country still lacks the infrastructure to manage the 52% biowaste generated.

For the lower income class who can only afford to buy in small quantities, while we look for alternative packaging and delivery options, it is important to manage the waste in the short term through recovery programs.

What are the biggest challenges in integrating recycling into our supply chains and consumer habits?

Cost competitiveness, applicability and consumer preference continue to be the challenges.

While the industry is moving towards this objective with the PET bottle-to-bottle recycling project aimed at recovering the waste and make new bottles for the beverage and cosmetic industry – and reducing our dependence on waste exports to China for processing to cater to the polyester textile market – it needs to compete with the low cost of virgin PETs.

Ensuring that the proper technology is applied to ensure consumer safety and protection for food packaging and applications are in place is also key. For the Philippines, we need not develop rPE or rPP for food given that there are already market applications for recycled products, like crates, pallets, pails and many others.

Consumers also need to be willing to pay a premium for recycled products or products with recycled content.

How can businesses start embarking on their sustainability journey?

A significant amount of packaging had been reduced over the years, and refill models that promote reuse are being explored. Recovery is also in place with programs with LGUs and drop-off centers in malls. The resource recovery and recycling infrastructure is being put in place.

Global brands are taking the lead in sustainability efforts, translating global commitments to local actions. Collaborative initiatives are also gaining ground, with many companies already embarked and continue to pursue programs with social enterprise groups and LGUs to recover plastic waste.

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