Food manufacturer Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and Holcim Philippines Inc. teamed up with the local government of Obando town in Bulacan province to enhance waste management efforts aimed at diverting non-recyclable plastics from landfills and waterways.
URC and Holcim’s waste management unit, Geocycle, has been processing plastic waste generated by URC’s operations for the past three years, converting it into alternative fuels for cement production at Holcim’s plant in Iligan, Misamis Oriental.
“This new agreement, with Obando as a key partner, aims to further drive community-based waste diversion efforts,” said URC president and chief executive Irwin Lee in a statement.
“We hope to replicate it in other towns and cities to amplify the impact of what we set out to do three years ago,” he said.
The tripartite agreement, signed by URC, Holcim and Obando officials, provides incentives for workers at the town’s material recovery facility (MRF), based on the volume of waste they successfully divert.
MRF workers received sacks of rice in recognition of their contributions during the recent signing ceremony. Obando’s MRF has collected and sorted 785 metric tons of plastic waste for co-processing.
Obando Mayor Leonardo Valeda emphasized the significance of the agreement. “It is indeed a symbol of collective action and hope of all stakeholders for a cleaner and safer community. Through this collaboration, we expect to improve our programs on solid waste management and give better opportunities for our community to be part of the solution,” Valeda said.
Holcim chief sustainability officer Samuel Manlosa Jr. said the new agreement supports Holcim’s sustainability goals by reducing reliance on conventional fuels and raw materials.
“It is also an excellent example of how collaboration between the private and public sector can advance progress in community development and environmental stewardship,” Manlosa said.
