Plastic waste is a severe problem in the Philippines. According to a McKinsey statistic, “2.7 million tons of plastic waste are generated in the Philippines each year, 20 percent of which is estimated to end up in the ocean.” (McKinsey, 2015) Another research conducted by Jenna Jambeck has found that the country is the “third largest global contributor to the eight million tons of plastics that are estimated to flood our oceans each year.” (Jambeck) Similar to other rapidly-urbanizing countries, the nation grapples with the issue of unsustainable plastic production and consumption as well as poor waste management facilities that depend highly on open dumping sites. 

In light of the growing plastic waste issue in the country, many firms in the private sector have committed to sustainability in different ways. For example, the snack company Mondelez Philippines has pledged to incorporate recycle-ready packaging and minimize the environmental impacts of their products, packaging and operations. While the company currently uses flexible plastic films as the material offers lighter packaging and a smaller carbon footprint, it has come to realize that the plastic waste problem in the Philippines was due to the lack of recycling facilities and low levels of proper collection and disposal. 

Similarly, SM Supermalls, the nation’s biggest shopping mall chain has also committed to recycling as it has launched its Trash to Cash initiative. The initiative aims to “educate Filipinos about the importance of responsible solid waste management.” When customers bring their recyclables to the designated Trash to Cash area, the recyclables will be exchanged for cash, thereby promoting recycling in the Filipino community.

 As plastic waste is becoming a greater issue of concern in the Philippines, the commitment to sustainability from different private firms are becoming a flame of hope that can help reduce plastic waste in the country. 

Works Cited:

The Manila Times. “Mondelez Philippines Makes New Sustainability Commitments.” The Manila Times, The Manila Times, 26 Jan. 2021, www.manilatimes.net/2021/01/27/public-square/mondelez-philippines-makes-new-sustainability-commitments/833168/.

Rappler.com. “Here's How You Can Recycle with Apple, H&M, and SM Malls.” Rappler, Rappler, 8 Feb. 2021, www.rappler.com/brandrap/goodrap/ways-recycle-apple-hm-sm-malls.