The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with SM investments Corp. to advance the development of sustainable plastic waste management strategies during the “Tactics for Better PlasTIK [Technology, Innovation, Knowledge]” forum on Thursday.
The two organizations agreed to work for joint research and development, training programs and conferences for essential and sustainable plastic initiatives.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the collaboration would bring opportunities for industry players.
“We thank the SM for this partnership, and we are optimistic that through this collaboration we can provide solutions and open opportunities for industry player and for our citizen,” Solidum said.
“DOST remains committed to bring technologies from development stage to real world application,” he added.
SM Investment consultant and head of sustainability and investor relations Timothy Daniels highlighted the social responsibility of private companies in contributing to a greener and sustainable waste management of the country.
“Being a responsible company is important to SM, and plastics are a real sustainability issue for the country. We are keen to work with our many stakeholders to reduce plastics use in the Philippines. We always look for practical solutions,” Daniels said.
“This collaboration with DOST will enhance our collective waste management efforts and also foster knowledge sharing and sustainable partnership across sectors to help achieve that,” he said.
The SM Group noted that their retail and mall teams were taking steps to reduce plastic use. A standardized waste segregation policy called Recyclable, Disposable and Compostable (RDC) and a mall wide campaign called Waste- Free Future are currently being implemented.
SM Prime Holdings also teamed up with Japanese company GUUN to develop infrastructure for systematic waste management and resource recovery. The partnership will implement the Japanese technique of reducing landfill impact. The technology converts non-recyclable and hard-to-recycle packaging into alternative fuel.
