Mondelēz International receives plastic cleanup partner seal

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. This 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 this 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.”

In addition to receiving the Plastic Cleanup Partner seal, Mondelēz International also discussed its ongoing 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.” This commitment goes beyond the 40% collection and diversion requirement of the EPR Law this 2024. 

The company’s sustainability programs also extends beyond certification. Their ‘Trash Right’ program, which educates teachers and schoolchildren about waste management and plastic collection, has already engaged twenty-seven public elementary schools in Parañaque City together with ocean advocacy group Save Philippine Seas. Mondelēz International has successfully collected almost ten 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. This 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.     

Adds Rudi Ramin, Commercial Director of PCX Markets, “Mondelēz International’s achievement of the Plastic Cleanup Partner Seal in the Philippines shows their commitment to real, measurable action against plastic waste. Their initiatives, like ‘Trash Right’ and Aling Tindera, go beyond compliance—they empower communities and set the standard for sustainability in business. At PCX Markets, we’re proud to partner with Mondelēz International in creating a cleaner, more circular future.”

The company’s commitment to diverting plastic pollution from nature is part of a wider plastic sustainability plan. Globally, Mondelēz International aims to ensure 98% or more of its packaging is designed for recyclability, and to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by 2025.

With its ongoing efforts and future commitments, Mondelēz International aims to continue its collection and diversion of its total post-consumer plastic packaging onwards, making sustainability a core aspect of its operations and contributing to a circular economy where plastic is seen as a valuable resource and does not end up as waste.

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This article is brought to you by Mondelez International.