Mondelez PH targets plastic neutrality through partnership with PCX

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, passed in July last year, mandates companies to participate in waste management programs. With this law, certain companies that produce and use plastics are compelled to collect an equivalent volume through diversion programs like recovery and recycling.

In support of the EPR Law, snack maker Mondelez Philippines has partnered with Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX) to recover and divert the equivalent of 100 percent of the plastic packaging footprint used for its food products sold in the market.

Snacking the right way

Mondelez Philippines is the maker of beloved heritage snack brands like Oreo, Tang, Toblerone, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Eden Cheese, and Cheez Whiz. The company aims to lead the future of snacking by offering the right snack, made the right way, for the right moment.

Snacking right means focusing on where Mondelez Philippines can make a bigger difference and deliver a long-term and positive impact. The company’s strategies in addressing these key focus areas include reducing its environmental footprint through less but better packaging and support of waste collection systems.

In 2022, ahead of the implementation of the EPR Law, the company was able to collect 243,000 kilos of plastic waste which is equivalent to the weight of two adult blue whales.

100% plastic waste collection in 2023

Under the EPR Law, certain companies are required to collect back 20 percent of their plastic output by the end of 2023.

In support of this, Mondelez Philippines is partnering with PCX for the recovery and diversion of 100% of the equivalent of its yearly plastic packaging output for products that are sold in the market, ensuring that it becomes part of resource recovery programs. This commitment goes beyond the requirements of the EPR Law and is something the company will uphold moving forward.

“We fully support and laud the passing of the Extended Producer Responsibility Act,” shared Aleli Arcilla, Mondelez Philippines managing director. She added that the company shares the belief of Philippine lawmakers that optimal EPR laws are a practical and efficient contribution to waste management systems.

“We intend to go above and beyond compliance as early as this year by ensuring we are 100% plastic neutral by the end of 2023. To this end, we thank our partner PCX for providing us with the capability to carry out our commitments and transform them into concrete actions,” she added.

Strengthening a 'circular plastic economy'

PCX partners with organizations that collect and divert post-consumer plastic waste within a credible, traceable, transparent, environmentally sound, and socially responsible framework. The organization is geared towards promoting various solution sets that aim to remove plastic from nature through effective reduction and disposal of plastic waste in the Philippines.

By working with waste collectors, recyclers, and diverters in the country, the organization helps companies like Mondelez Philippines achieve their sustainability goals and ensure fewer plastic ends up in oceans, waterways, and landfills.

Most importantly, PCX channels investments to help promote and strengthen the “circular plastic economy” in the country. A circular plastic economy means that plastic is not treated as waste, but rather is viewed as a resource that can be reused and repurposed. This model aims to eventually eliminate plastic waste and pollution.

“We welcome Mondelez Philippines to the PCX community of passionate and committed private sector partners who aim to deliver meaningful change to this urgent and important issue,” said Nanette Medved Po, PCX founder.

“Through this commitment, we are showing support for the EPR Law and encouraging other companies and industries to do the same,” added Atty. Joseph Fabul, former country manager for corporate and government affairs of Mondelez Philippines. “Plastic waste reduction and collection is everyone’s responsibility. Let us work to create a cleaner and waste-free Philippines as our legacy to future generations.”

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Mondelēz International.