D&G Pacific joined a diverse pool of waste management professionals and advocates who came together last November 29 to discuss what it takes to create a circular economy in the Philippines. With "A Focus on Plastics," it was a passionate, multi-sector conversation that shared different perspectives and case studies including the work of D&G Pacific.
With the increasing pressure on large-scale businesses including plastics producers and rigid scrutiny from NGOs and government alike, more businesses need to find ways to strategically manage their waste streams. The event was joined by Philippine Senator Mrs. Cynthia Villar, who is currently advocating for the management of plastic waste leakage into the seas; Swedish ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Harald Fries, and Philippine Commissioner Mr. Crispian Lao of the National Solid Waste Management Commission.
D&G Pacific President Edmund Dimalanta spoke at the panel discussion, highlighting D&G's industrial solutions that demonstrate how waste can be proactively managed within businesses, and ultimately achieve the vision of a landfill-free country. As the Philippines is notoriously known as one of the biggest polluters of plastic waste in the ocean – the third biggest contributor at that – Dimalanta explained how both sound technological solutions and the willingness to make sustainable investments can make the blue, circular economy a reality.
Knowing that business should heed this call, participants at the event saw corporate sustainability managers and officers who are taking steps to improve their environmental sustainability strategies, including Nestle, Universal Robina Corporation, and Ayala Land. Fellow panel speakers alongside D&G included representatives from the intergovernmental organisation Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA); social enterprise Green Antz Builders that provides eco-brick housing and construction; Geocycle, the waste management network and brand under Holcim; and Sweden-based organisations Scania Group and Boras Waste Recovery that also shared best practices in sustainable, ecocycle-adapted cities.
The event was hosted by Business and Professional Women (BPW) and the Philippine embassy of the government of Sweden. It was held at the AyalaLand ClockIn coworking space.
Written by:
Carissa Pobre
carissa@thepurposebusiness.com