Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC Group) is making waves in the sustainability space with a powerful commitment to environmental responsibility. From launching solar power at its Bulacan plant to achieving 100% renewable energy and spearheading impactful waste reduction programs like TOO GOOD TO WASTE and SariCycle, APC Group is proving that businesses can drive meaningful change for both people and the planet. The efforts underscore APC Group’s broader commitment to environment sustainability and innovation.
Ajinomoto Philippines Powers Up with Renewable Energy, Slashing Carbon Footprint by 950 Tons
In a major step toward sustainability, APC Group marked a green milestone with an Energization Ceremony on June 1, 2022, celebrating the introduction of solar power at the Ajinomoto Philippines Flavor Food Inc. factory in Guiguinto, Bulacan. In partnership with Meralco-owned Spectrum, the solar installation covered roughly 20% of the facility’s annual energy needs.
“We, at Ajinomoto, are proud of the steps that we are taking as an advocate for environmental wellness. Introducing solar energy to our Bulacan plant is just the beginning of the many environmental projects that we have in our sustainability roadmap,” said APC Group Director of Supply Chain Management and Chief Sustainability Officer Ernesto Carlos.
Propelling its journey towards achieving 100% Renewable Energy for its Bulacan factory
The APC Group partnered with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions which, as of December 2023, supplied the facility with renewable energy from their diverse portfolio. A commemorative MOA signing was held on March 1, 2024, to celebrate this milestone. Since its energy transition, the Bulacan facility was able to cut its carbon emissions by approximately 950 metric tons —comparable to eliminating 3.8 million kilometers of vehicle travel in a year. With ACEN RES’s support, the factory is now fully powered by renewable energy, reinforcing APC Group ’s leadership in sustainable business practices, proving that sustainability and business can go hand in hand.
Ajinomoto Philippines Strengthens Sustainability Efforts with New Waste Management Partnerships
In a decisive move toward environmental responsibility, APC Group has partnered with four leading waste management organizations to advance compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. At a Memorandum of Agreement signing on September 1, 2023, APC Group formalized collaborations with Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), Envirotech, Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), and Republic Cement — each playing a key role in plastic waste recovery, recycling, and sustainable disposal.
“We encourage all companies to embrace the EPR Act and take a proactive approach to managing their plastic footprint,” said Ernesto Carlos, APC’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “By working together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future for all.”
With these partnerships, APC continues to lead the food industry in environmental stewardship, proving that corporate responsibility and sustainability go hand in hand.
APC’S Global Commitment: TOO GOOD TO WASTE™
Beyond plastic waste reduction, APC Group is also taking a stand against food loss and food waste through its TOO GOOD TO WASTE™ (TGTW) initiative. A study conducted by the DOST-NFRI in 2023 showed that rice, vegetables and meat are the top three most wasted foods that unfortunately should have been a decent meal for the hungry.
As a food company that has been part of every Filipino household for over 66 years, APC Group embarks on a new campaign to provide a solution to this alarming situation of food loss and food waste in the Philippines.
Too Good To Waste is an initiative that originated from Ajinomoto Co., Inc. in Japan that aims to help consumers realize the potential value of food and rethink what we throw away. Through this project, APC Group aims to raise awareness and present practical solutions to minimize food wastage. The TGTW logo has three exclamation points, each with a dot depicting what is commonly discarded: a carrot top, a half-eaten chicken leg and a fish head.
Part of APC Group’s TGTW campaign is to offer practical recipes and tips on its Cookmunity website that encourages consumers to creatively use all their ingredients and transform leftovers into new dishes, making food waste reduction a habitual practice for everyone and empowering individuals to contribute to the preservation of our resources and the environment through mindful consumption.
APC Group launched the TGTW campaign video at The Eat Well, Live Well Youth Summit held last November in Cebu City.
The campaign video was also released at Ajinomoto Philippines’ official website and FB Cookmunity Page so that more Filipinos can join the movement and be part of the solution on food loss and food waste and start to make a difference.
Celebrates a Year of Transforming Plastic Waste Management
The APC Group marks a major sustainability milestone with the first anniversary of its SariCycle program, an incentivized plastic collection and recycling initiative. In collaboration with the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department (QC CCESD) and Basic Environmental Systems and Technologies (BEST), the initiative has made a substantial impact on reducing plastic waste in local communities.
In just one year, the SariCycle program successfully collected 8.1 metric tons (8,100 kilograms) of single-use plastics, equivalent to over 16 million sachets, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-driven environmental efforts. The program engaged 1,000 active SariCyclers across 23 barangays, reinforcing the power of collective action in tackling plastic pollution.
To mark this significant milestone, APC Group recognized the Top SariCyclers whose contributions have been instrumental in the program’s success. These individuals embody the essence of environmental stewardship, proving that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.
As APC Group continues to lead sustainability efforts, the company remains committed to expanding the reach and impact of SariCycle, reinforcing its dedication to a cleaner and greener Philippines.
Expanding the Impact: From One to Malawakan
Following the success of SariCycle in Quezon City, APC Group is now set to expand the program to other municipalities through a partnership with the Philippine Association of Stores and Carinderia Owners (PASCO). This expansion aims to inspire more communities to participate in sustainable waste management while strengthening long-term environmental commitments.
“This milestone is a testament to what can be achieved when communities and organizations work together,” said Ernesto Carlos, Chief Sustainability Officer of APC Group. “We are proud of SariCycle’s achievements and look forward to scaling its impact across the country.”
A Positive Outlook for the Philippine Market
APC Group President, Koichi Ozaki, emphasized the group’s confidence in the growing Philippine economy. “The opportunities in the Philippines are immense. We aim to further expand our investments in the country, diversifying into areas such as frozen foods and supplements, alongside our core seasoning products.”
Future investments may include the local manufacturing of new product lines, depending on market demand and logistical feasibility. “We will explore every opportunity to grow our business portfolio in the Philippines,” Mr. Ozaki added.
About Ajinomoto Philippines
Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation has been serving Filipino households for decades, offering high-quality seasonings and food products. The company is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through its products and sustainability initiatives. For more information, visit www.ajinomoto.com.ph.