GOKONGWEI-LED Universal Robina Corp. (URC) launched a program that will collect, recover and divert plastic trash as part of its long-term goal of achieving plastic neutrality.
“We are aiming to make lasting, concrete changes on an institutional level, in a way that affects all operations and demonstrates our resolve as a world-class manufacturer,” URC President and Chief Executive Officer Irwin C. Lee said in a press release on Thursday.
Through its “Juan Goal for Plastic” program, URC hopes to be an active participant in converting post-consumer waste into something useful and in its consumers’ collect-and-recycle activities.
A number of plastic collection locations have been established nationwide for the program, with more sites set to open this year.
The program allows consumers to exchange their plastic waste for cash, in the said sites, matching weight for “environmental points” that can be used to redeem URC products or school supplies.
The company joined long-term collaborative projects on waste management that cover community engagement and linking with local recyclers to reach more people.
It has one site in its La Carlota sugar mill in Negros Occidental which is in partnership with the city of La Carlota, Brgy. Roberto Salas Benedicto and its Sangguniang Kabataan.
Another site is in the company’s plant in Bagong Ilog which is in partnership with the local government of Pasig and Basic Environmental System & Technologies, Inc.
General Mariano Alvarez (GMA), Cavite also has one which is in partnership with the local government. There are also sites in some Robinsons Malls.
“With our current systems, plastic waste will be segregated and given new life that supports a true circular economy,” said Mr. Lee. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
