MONDELĒZ Philippines, Inc. looks to showcasing the results of its Parañaque-based recycling facility to Metro Manila local government units for possible replication.
Kristoffer M. Rada, Mondelēz Philippines country manager for corporate and government affairs, said the company invested P2 million on a shared facility that creates parking bumpers and tactile paving from recycled packaging.
“Together, with that pool of money we have invested in that recycling facility in Parañaque — that hopefully will be a showcase of what we can do with recycled materials… and if it’s effective then we’ll roll it out, hopefully, to two more areas.”
The project is in partnership with members of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability. An engineering firm is currently testing the durability of the pilot products.
“Our hope is if it does get to gain momentum, and it gets to a point where it does produce viable products, then we can showcase this to the LGU of Quezon City, Makati, Taguig — and hopefully they can replicate it.”
He said local food manufacturers should make packaging recyclable as there is no existing facility in the Philippines that has the capacity to recycle all the products.
“Even if we do our part, that might stop at some point because the end-point, which is the recycling facilities, aren’t there yet. So we have to invest in recycling facilities,” he said.
Construction of the Parañaque facility began in 2017, and production of pilot products began last year.
“This year, hopefully, we’re looking at a more ramped up production,” Mr. Rada said.
In keeping with a global target of making 100% of its packaging recyclable by 2025, Mondelēz Philippines’ packaging from its local manufacturing plant is 98% recycled or recyclable.
The remaining 2% is composed mostly of multi-layer plastic packaging for which Mondelēz has not found a suitable alternative for.
“It will take some time, but we’re confident we’ll be able to meet our targets by 2025.”
Mr. Rada said the company is not rushing to find a solution just yet, as they prioritize protecting and preserving their products. — Jenina P. Ibañez
