As of 2024, the Philippines remains the third largest polluter of marine litter, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The country faces a significant plastic pollution challenge; in fact, 80% of global plastic waste stems from rivers, and seven of the world’s top ten plastic-polluted rivers are located in the Philippines.
Recognizing the need for urgent action, Concepcion Industrial Corporation (CIC) is setting a new precedent for environmental responsibility among corporations in the country. The company’s partnership with social enterprise The Plastic Flamingo (PLAF) is creating a seamless ecosystem that upcycles plastic waste into valuable resources to transform communities.
Through CIC’s plastic waste collection program, plastic recycling bins will be strategically placed throughout CIC’s company offices. The collected plastic waste will then be upcycled into durable, sustainable “eco-boards” by Plastic Flamingo. These eco-boards are used to create furniture such as shelters, school tables and chairs, and community benches. As of 2024, PLAF has managed hundreds of metric tons of plastic waste from over 250 collection points.
This hands-on approach fosters a sense of accountability amongst employees, transforming plastic waste into much-needed resources that will ultimately go towards the communities where CIC operates in, as well as providing job opportunities to underserved groups.
“Plastic responsibility is a top priority of CIC. We’re fostering a culture of awareness about plastic pollution, encouraging our employees to consider their impact every day, both at work and at home. Initiatives like this are a key part of that effort,” said Rafael C. Hechanova, Jr., Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at CIC. “We hope this project inspires other corporations to recognize their role in building a more sustainable Philippines.”
“This partnership is a win-win for both the environment and local communities. By supporting PLAF, CIC is investing in local communities and helping us expand our reach to impact even more lives,” said Krisha G. Rubia, Partnerships Manager at PLAF.
CIC’s partnership with The Plastic Flamingo (PLAF) reflects its broader commitment to building a more sustainable Philippines. Beyond this initiative, the company has exceeded the Philippine EPR Act’s mandatory 20% diversion target for plastic packaging, achieving an impressive 110% diversion rate. CIC also implements robust programs for plastic waste segregation and responsible disposal, ensuring environmental compliance across its operations. Additionally, the company organizes the annual “One for the Ocean” coastal clean-up in celebration of World Environment Day, reinforcing its dedication to protecting marine ecosystems and fostering environmental stewardship.
CIC’s collaboration with The Plastic Flamingo serves as a concrete example of how businesses can help contribute to a circular economy. By turning plastic waste into valuable resources and empowering employees to be part of the solution, CIC is paving the way towards a more sustainable future for the Philippines.
