On June 5, World Environment Day, the Aboitiz Group proudly showcases its groundbreaking innovations in the fight against plastic pollution, reaffirming its commitment to global sustainability initiatives. Embracing the theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, the Aboitiz Group advocates for effective action and a transition towards a circular economy to address pressing environmental challenges worldwide. As per the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), adopting a circular economy model can significantly reduce plastic waste entering the oceans by over 80% by 2040, while also curbing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% and creating 700,000 new job opportunities.
The Aboitiz Group aims to accelerate progress and inspire others to take bold steps in combating plastic pollution. Guided by the OneNewAboitiz Sustainability Synergy, the Group’s operations center around innovative practices and technologies. The Group’s sustainability achievements align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to the global sustainable development agenda. By pushing the boundaries of innovation, the Aboitiz Group tackles pollution challenges with effective solutions. Through dedicated initiatives and actions, the Group showcases its unwavering commitment to sustainable development, actively advancing various SDGs. Notably, these efforts focus on promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), taking decisive climate action (SDG 13), safeguarding marine ecosystems (SDG 14), and preserving terrestrial biodiversity (SDG 15).
Reimagine Seaweed
As the Aboitiz Group embarks on its Great Transformation journey to become the Philippines’ pioneering Techglomerate, it embraces an innovative approach to combat plastic pollution and envisions a world brimming with possibilities and opportunities. Recognizing the growing interest in utilizing seaweed as an alternative to single-use plastics, leaders within the Group are spearheading the Reimagine Seaweed initiative, poised to revolutionize the seaweed industry in the Philippines. This holistic endeavor aims to establish a sustainable and profitable seaweed industry that supports livelihoods for farmers, promotes biodiversity, reduces plastic pollution, and mitigates climate change impacts.
With the Philippines ranking as the fourth-largest global producer of seaweed, supporting 1.4 million farmers, Reimagine Seaweed adopts a three-pronged strategy. It empowers seaweed farmers with improved farming techniques and introduces them to green technologies that expand their product range to include bioplastics, protein powder, cosmetics, and health supplements. Over the next five years, the Aboitiz Group and the Reimagine Seaweed team strive to reduce single-use plastics in the region by producing biodegradable and compostable packaging derived from seaweed.
This groundbreaking initiative drives progress in enhancing the lives of seaweed farmers, bringing cutting-edge green technologies to the local industry, and eliminating single-use plastics not only in Asia but also on a global scale. By harnessing a renewed entrepreneurial mindset and leveraging the latest technologies, the Aboitiz Group confronts global challenges with innovative approaches that benefit both their business and the communities they serve. As they forge ahead in their mission to eradicate plastic toxicity, they also unlock a sea of opportunities through the Reimagine Seaweed initiative.
Plastic Neutrality
Republic Cement, a pioneering company in the Philippines and a subsidiary of CRH-Aboitiz, has taken the lead in promoting sustainability through the innovative use of alternative fuels via co-processing. This process involves harnessing the thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials as alternative fuels, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact. Notably, Republic Cement utilizes residual plastic waste, including rejected plastic bottles, styrofoam, tarps, single-use plastic containers and utensils, sachets, shopping packages, and other soft plastics, as valuable sources of alternative fuel.
In August 2022, Republic Cement achieved a significant milestone by becoming plastic-neutral. Through its resource recovery group, known as ecoloop, the company collected and co-processed an equivalent volume of residual plastic waste used in the packaging and transportation of its cement products. By integrating plastic waste into its cement manufacturing process, Republic Cement successfully offset its plastic packaging footprint for the period between 2020 and 2022. This achievement translates to over 890 dump trucks filled with plastic waste being effectively co-processed.
Republic Cement also extends its support to various manufacturers, assisting them in reaching their plastic neutrality goals and fostering their growth as responsible corporate citizens and environmental stewards.
Through its commitment to co-processing alternative fuels and plastic waste, Republic Cement demonstrates its unwavering dedication to sustainable practices, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for the Philippines and beyond.
Upcycled Plastic
City Savings Bank (CitySavings), the thrift bank subsidiary of Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) led by Aboitiz, has joined forces with Envirotech Waste Recycling, Inc. (Envirotech) to transform plastic waste into essential classroom items, specifically school chairs. In line with the Matatag agenda of the Department of Education (DepEd), which aims to enhance basic education facilities and services, CitySavings has generously donated 50 plastic chairs, made from upcycled plastic waste, to Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr. Central Elementary School in Davao City and Tunasan National High School in Muntinlupa City.
Moreover, Aboitiz Construction, the Group’s construction arm, has been implementing a strict policy against single-use plastics across all its projects and facilities since the previous year. This commitment has led to a remarkable 14.60% reduction in plastic waste from 2022 to 2023. The initiative aligns with the company’s adherence to ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System) and reflects its dedication to continual improvement. This year, as part of its ongoing efforts, Aboitiz Construction plans to enhance its standard Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) across project sites, further improving waste segregation and disposal systems.
Through these sustainable initiatives, CitySavings and Aboitiz Construction demonstrate their shared commitment to environmental responsibility, promoting the circular economy by upcycling plastic waste and reducing plastic consumption. These efforts contribute to building a more sustainable future for the communities they serve.
