The Batangas factory of PMFTC Inc., the local affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), has secured a global recognition for its responsible water use.
PMFTC’s manufacturing plant in Tanauan, Batangas received a core certification from the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) three years after its initial certification. The honor affirms PMFTC’s commitment to water stewardship.
AWS is a global standard that helps water users minimize their water footprint, address water-related risks and collaborate with stakeholders in the same water catchment for effective water management.
The Batangas factory became the first manufacturing site in the Philippines to secure AWS certification in 2021.
“Our vision of a sustainable smoke-free future is at the heart of PMI’s values of ‘We Care, We Are Better Together, and We Are Game-Changers’,” said PMFTC manufacturing director Elvio Rocco.
Rocco said the AWS recertification aligns with the company’s environmental commitment to preserving water resources and respecting the natural cycle of water relevant to its business, stakeholders and the communities where it operates.
“For us, caring for our water resources means caring for people. That focus extends to preserving water quality and promoting safe access to water, sanitation, and hygiene services, as well as collaborating to proactively address water-related challenges within the community,” he said.
He said the certification is part of PMI’s global commitment to minimizing its environmental impact. Since 2017, the company has introduced AWS certification to drive sustainable water management in its operations.
The Batangas factory at the First Philippine Industrial Park (FPIP) encourages employees, contractors, suppliers, government bodies, and the public to support and collaborate on water sustainability efforts.
PMI aims to certify all its facilities worldwide by 2025. Its 25 sites around the world are AWS-certified.
PMFTC’s Batangas factory has also initiated a plastic-collecting program among employees, gathering over 750 kilograms of plastic for recycling into a handwashing facility that will eventually be donated to a community in need.
The company invested $9.9 million in a solar power plant to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 11,000 tons annually.
