Universal Robina Corp. (URC) and Holcim Philippines have partnered with the municipality of Obando in Bulacan to expand an innovative waste-diversion program, successfully rerouting non-recyclable plastics away from landfills and waterways.
Through Holcim’s waste management unit, Geocycle, a significant amount of waste plastic from URC’s operations over the past three years has been properly treated through cement kiln co-processing. Under this method, non-recyclable plastics are converted into alternative fuels to power cement kilns at Holcim’s production plant in Misamis Oriental.
Attending the ceremonial signing were (from left, front row): Obando Councilor Rowell Rillera; Engr. Sam Manlosa Jr., Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Geocycle; Obando Mayor Ding Valeda; Dr. Shirlyn Reyes, URC Vice President for Corporate Quality and Environment, Health, and Safety; and Anthony Sierra, URC Sustainability Officer. Also in attendance were teams from Obando's Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, Materials Recovery Facility workers, and other representatives from URC and Holcim. IMAGE courtesy of URC
“This new agreement, with Obando as a key partner, aims to further drive community-based waste diversion efforts. We hope to replicate it in other towns and cities to amplify the impact of what we set out to do three years ago,” said Irwin Lee, URC president and CEO.
Under the tripartite agreement signed by officials from URC, Holcim, and Obando, workers at the municipality’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will receive incentives based on the volume of waste they successfully divert. During the signing ceremony, Obando MRF workers were acknowledged with sacks of rice for their contributions to the program, which has diverted 785 metric tons of plastic waste to date.
As part of the multi-sector waste management program, incentives are offered to workers at Obando’s Materials Recovery Facility. At the signing ceremony, the first batch of rice donations was awarded to the MRF workers in recognition of their crucial role in the initiative's success. IMAGE courtesy of URC
Obando Mayor Leonardo "Ding" Valeda highlighted the partnership’s significance by saying the agreement is “not just a simple contract document. It is a symbol of collective action and hope of all stakeholders for a cleaner and safer community. Through this collaboration, we expect to enhance our waste management programs and engage the community in creating solutions.”
Samuel Manlosa Jr., Holcim’s chief sustainability officer, said this latest waste management agreement “supports Holcim’s sustainability goals to accelerate decarbonization and circularity of operations by reducing reliance on conventional fuels and virgin raw materials, and make a positive impact on communities. It is also an excellent example of how collaboration between the private and public sector can advance progress in community development and environmental stewardship.”
Through this collaboration, URC, Holcim, and the local government of Obando aim to foster a sustainable and resilient community, underscoring the vital role of multi-sectoral partnerships in achieving long-term environmental goals and tackling plastic pollution.
For more information on URC, visit urc.com.ph
