Mondelēz International in the Philippines celebrated a major milestone in its sustainability journey as it has been conferred the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal by the PCX Markets.
The recognition highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, particularly its adherence to the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law and ongoing efforts to manage plastic waste within the snacking industry.
The Plastic Cleanup Partner label is awarded to companies that take significant, measurable actions to clean up plastic waste.
Mondelēz International’s involvement in the initiative is part of a broader sustainability strategy focused on reducing packaging waste, evolving packaging designs, and improving recycling systems to contribute to a circular economy.
PCX Markets is a plastic credit marketplace which collaborates with organizations that collect and divert post-consumer plastic waste through a transparent, environmentally sound, and socially responsible framework.
“Achieving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal is an important milestone for us,” said Aleli Arcilla, managing director of Mondelēz International in the Philippines.
“This seal is a powerful message to our stakeholders, consumers, and partners that we are actively working to ensure that plastic waste is diverted from nature and the landfill. It is a symbol of our dedication to our Sustainable Snacking Strategy,’ ensuring that the right snack is delivered in the right way,” she said.
Mondelēz International discussed its efforts to support the EPR Law. The company is committed to complying with the law’s guidelines and actively participates in initiatives to make packaging materials more circular and less wasteful.
“We believe compliance with the EPR Law is not just about meeting requirements; it’s about leading by example and advocating for others to follow,” added Arcilla. “At Mondelēz International, we are committed to reducing plastic packaging, evolving our materials to use recycled content, and improving waste management systems in countries where we operate. That is why for every kilo of post-consumer plastic packaging we introduce to the market; we ensure the equivalent amount is collected and diverted from nature here in the Philippines.”
The commitment goes beyond the 40 percent collection and diversion requirement of the EPR Law this year.
The company’s sustainability programs extends beyond certification. Its ‘Trash Right’ program, which educates teachers and schoolchildren about waste management and plastic collection, has already engaged 27 public elementary schools in Parañaque City together with ocean advocacy group Save Philippine Seas.
Mondelēz International has successfully collected almost 10 metric tons of plastic for diversion to upcycling through this initiative.
Furthermore, the company has just launched two new Aling Tindera sites in Parañaque City, providing local collection points to further support community recycling and sustainability efforts.
The program, which transforms women micro-entrepreneurs running small “sari-sari” stores into sustainability leaders, allows local residents to sell their plastic waste directly to their neighborhood Aling Tindera. These women collect, clean, and store the plastic, which is then responsibly processed, with compensation provided for each delivery.
Mondelez Philippines Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates.
The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City.